Andrew WatsonSummary: MBOX files, also called Mailbox files, which store users multiple emails or attachments in single file. MBOX files are usually created or opened in Thunderbird, Apple Mail, SeaMonkey, Eudora, etc. This email client can open MBOX files in a structured manner. Nevertheless, if you are not using MBOX-supported email client then opening MBOX files can be challenging for you. In this updated guide, users will learn the simple method to Open/view/read/access MBOX files on Windows, Mac, or Outlook without any difficulties, even without complicated tactics.
Know More About the MBOX Files
Before knowing the method to access MBOX files, we need to know about them. MBOX files are mailbox files that save several emails in a single file as text format. Each email eventually gets placed within the file, offering an easy method to organize emails in bulk. There are numbers of methods and few of are free and few or goes to premium but effective solution to access mbox files. Let’s read more sections below about how to open mbox files.
Methods to Open MBOX Files on Windows
Windows didn’t have a built-in application that directly supported MBOX files. If you want to open/access MBOX files in Windows PC, then follow some easy steps:-
Using Mozilla Thunderbird:
Mozilla Thunderbird is a free or open source email clients that support MBOX files directly. Follow each step to view MBOX emails:
- Download Mozilla Thunderbird on PC, if you don’t have Thunderbird, then download from the official website.
- Open and set up an email account
- Go to Tools > Import by clicking the Menu icon (☰).
- Pick Import from a file, then MBOX format.
- Navigate or pick the MBOX file you wish to open.
- When the import process is done, you can view or read MBOX emails within Thunderbird.
Using Windows Notepad or Text Editor
If users only want to read email content without formatting, then they can use the Windows Notepad or any text editor to read MBOX files:-
- Right-click on the MBOX file and pick Open With.
- Select between Notepad or WordPad.
- The file will open in plain text mode, visible emails and data in sequential order.
While this method does not preserve formatting, it does allow you to retrieve email text fast.
Methods to Open MBOX Files on Mac
For Mac users, they have better native support for MBOX files. Mac users can use the Apple Mail to read MBOX files.
Using Apple Mail:
Apple Mail/Mail.app is default email client for macOS. This email client supports MBOX files natively.
- Open Apple Mail on a Mac PC.
- Click File > Import Mailboxes.
- Select Files in MBOX Format and press Continue.
- Browse and select the MBOX file, and finally click Open.
Users Take Attention: Transferred MBOX emails will appear in the “On My Mac” area of the Mail app.
Operating Mac Text Editor
Like the Windows, the Mac operator also opens or reads MBOX files by using TextEdit. However, this only shows an unformatted MBOX email file:-
Methods to Access MBOX Mailbox in Outlook
While all users know that MBOX files don’t open in MS Outlook directly, then they need to first convert them into PST, then they can access MBOX files in Outlook.
Use Mozilla Thunderbird as a Third-Party
Although Outlook lacks support for MBOX, users might open the file with Thunderbird and then read the emails. To view your MBOX in Thunderbird, follow the steps listed above.
Once emails are accessible, you can manually copy and paste their text into Outlook if required.
If you need to keep track of the messages, simply forward them from Thunderbird to your Microsoft Outlook email account.
Using Webmail Service (E.g.: Gmail, Yahoo, etc.)
If your MBOX data is linked to a Gmail or Yahoo Mail backup, you may access it using the web-based email interface.
- Login to your email service provider.
- Go to All Mail or Archive Messages.
- Look for specific emails that were saved in MBOX format.
- Open or read MBOX emails directly in browser.
Different Methods to Access MBOX files
If this method didn’t work to open large size MBOX files, then users can also use this alternative method to access or view MBOX files:
Use Professional MBOX Mailbox Converter:
Users can use the BLR MBOX converter software to Open MBOX files in Windows or Mac PC. This tool also helps users to view MBOX emails with attachment in Outlook. This application works with all Windows OS editions such as Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11. This software also supports all MS Outlook editions such as; 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, 2002 and many other version.
Steps to View MBOX files:-
- First download the BLR MBOX emails converter tool.
- Start the software, choose MBOX files or folders.
- Preview emails.
Note: With the help of this tool users can also convert MBOX files into 25+ other email formats without downloading multiple software or email clients. If users use the free demo edition of this tool then they can only convert first 15 emails from MBOX.
Writer End Note,
MBOX files could be opened manually on Windows, Mac, and Outlook without any conversion. Whether you use Mozilla Thunderbird, Apple Mail, or a simple text editor, the solutions provided above will allow you to quickly see your MBOX emails. Users who want to open MBOX files in Outlook can utilize Thunderbird as a mediator or access emails via webmail services.
By using these easy steps, users can quickly open or read MBOX files without requiring software. If you often work with MBOX files, using an email client that supports them natively may help to accelerate the procedure.
