Migrate Thunderbird to Google Workspace: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written By Adom James
Updated on August 28th, 2025

Lauren White Query: I’ve been using Mozilla Thunderbird for my emails. But now my company is transferring to Google Workspace. I need a simple way to migrate Thunderbird to Google Workspace without losing anything. How can I do this step by step?

Introduction: Shifting from Mozilla Thunderbird to Google Workspace can be hectic when you’ve used Thunderbird for years. To manage all your emails, folders, and attachments. But as more businesses transfer to the cloud for better flexibility, switching to Gmail under Google Workspace makes perfect sense. The real challenge is figuring out how to move all your important email data without losing anything. This blog will show you simple and effective methods to migrate Thunderbird emails to Google Workspace. In addition, you can directly use the professional CloudMigration Thunderbird Backup Tool for a hassle-free migration

Table of Contents

What is Thunderbird & Google Workspace?

Mozilla Thunderbird is a free, open-source email client that you install on your computer. It lets you manage multiple email accounts, organize messages into folders, and work offline.
Google Workspace (formerly known as G Suite) is Google’s cloud-based suite of productivity tools for businesses and organizations. It includes Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Calendar, Meet, and more, all connected under one account.

Simple Steps to Migrate Thunderbird to Google Workspace

Initially, download the CloudMigration Thunderbird Backup Tool.
Choose your Thunderbird profile that you want to migrate.
Review and select the Thunderbird emails. Click Next.
Next, choose Gmail Format from the Saving option.
Enter your Gmail credentials to Log In.
Lastly, use advanced features/filters and click Convert.

Quick Solutions:

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Why Import Thunderbird Emails to G Suite?

Emails are stored in the cloud, so you can check them from any device.
Google’s built-in protections help keep your data safe.
Cloud backup reduces the risk of losing emails due to system crashes.
Also, easily share files, emails, and calendars with your team.

Manual Method to Migrate Thunderbird to Google Workspace

This method involves configuring your Gmail (Google Workspace) account in Thunderbird using IMAP and then transferring the emails directly. Here is how you can perform it:

Step 1: Enable IMAP in Your Gmail (Google Workspace) Account

Firstly, log in to your Gmail account.
Now, click the gear icon and choose See all settings.
After that, go to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
Under IMAP access, select Enable IMAP.
Further, click Save changes.

Step 2: Add Your Gmail Account to Thunderbird

Next, open Mozilla Thunderbird.
Go to Account Settings and click Add Mail Account.
Enter your Gmail name, email address, and password.
Thunderbird will automatically detect Gmail settings (IMAP) and set up the account.
Finish setup and wait for Gmail folders to sync.

Step 3: Locate Your Existing Thunderbird Emails

Your Thunderbird emails are usually stored locally in folders (in MBOX format).
These appear in the Local Folders or under your existing account in Thunderbird.

Step 4: Migrate Thunderbird to G Suite

Afterwards, select the emails or folders you want to move.
Then, drag and drop them into the Gmail account folders in Thunderbird.
Wait for Thunderbird to upload them. Large mailboxes may take time to sync.

Important Notes:

Stable internet connection is essential.
Avoid moving too many emails at once to prevent sync issues.
Sync time depends on mailbox size and internet speed.

When to Use the Manual Method:

If you’re migrating a small number of emails.
When you’re comfortable working inside Thunderbird.

Verified Way to Migrate Thunderbird to Google Workspace

If you want to avoid the limitations of the manual method, you can use the reliable Thudnerbird Email Backup Tool. This tool is specifically designed to migrate all your Thunderbird emails, contacts, calendars, and attachments without any hassle. It can preserve original data formatting, structure, and metadata during the entire process. Additionally, you can migrate from Thunderbird to Office 365 and other email clients.

One-Time Backup Thunderbird to Google Workspace
Users who prefer not to install software and need a one-time migration. Contact our support team with your Thunderbird profile, and we’ll handle the migration for you. It’s a Budget-friendly and hassle-free conversion.

How to Import Emails from Thunderbird to G Suite?

First, download the CloudMigration Thunderbird Backup Tool and install it.
Now, choose your Thudnerbird profile that you want to migrate. Click Next.
Then, you can cross-verify the added emails and select them. Hit Next.
After that, choose Gmail Format from the available Saving Format.
Next, enter your Gmail credentials, including ID & Password, to log in.
Lastly, use advanced features and filters as per your needs. Click Convert.

Why Choose CloudMigration Thunderbird Backup Tool?

Offer features like Preview, Remove Duplicate, Date Filter, and more.
Ability to Backup Thunderbird Emails to an External Hard Drive.
A free version of this software is accessible to evaluate its features.
furthermore, highly compatible with all Windows & Mac versions.

Conclusion

In this technical blog post, we discussed the top two methods to migrate Thunderbird to Google Workspace. The manual method is free to use. But it is only suitable to import a few number of Thunderbird emails. Also, it contains several limitations. That’s why it’s highly recommended to use the professional tool. It gives you a quick, reliable, and hassle-free migration with zero data loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I migrate emails from Thunderbird to Google Workspace directly?

Ans: No, Thunderbird does not support direct migration to Google Workspace. However, you can move your emails manually using the IMAP method or by using a professional CloudMigration Thunderbird Backup Tool. This allows you to import Thunderbird emails to G Suite without losing data or structure.

Q2. What is the best way to migrate Thunderbird emails to Google Workspace?

Ans: The most reliable and efficient way is to use the CloudMigration Thunderbird Backup Tool. It simplifies the process by directly transferring emails, attachments, and folders from Thunderbird to your Google Workspace (Gmail) account.

About The Author:

Adom James