Add Gmail to Thunderbird in 7 steps. Select Add Account then Email and sign in with Google. Thunderbird downloads your existing messages. Gmail labels appear as Thunderbird folders. Gmail caps IMAP connections at 15. Steps follow the official Mozilla page for Thunderbird 153.
Thunderbird signs in to Gmail through Google and downloads your mail over IMAP. No server settings are needed for this route.
Facts follow Mozilla Support Thunderbird and Gmail. Mozilla aims it at Thunderbird ESR 153 and monthly 153 or newer. Older versions differ in some steps.
How to Import Gmail to Thunderbird?
- Click the Thunderbird menu, select Add Account and select Email. Older versions call it New Account.
- Enter your name and Gmail address in the Account Hub dialog and click Continue.
- Sign in on the Google page that opens in your browser. Older versions open it in a Thunderbird tab.
- Finish the extra verification step when Google asks.
- Review the Google services Thunderbird can access and click Continue.
- Wait while Thunderbird downloads your existing messages.
- Review Google recommended settings for Thunderbird so labeling and deleting do not conflict with Gmail.
Mozilla links an OAuth troubleshooting checklist for sign in problems.
How does Gmail Behave in Thunderbird?
- Labels. Gmail uses a special IMAP implementation. Labels appear as folders.
- Archive. Gmail archiving removes the Inbox label and leaves the message in All Mail. Tick Keep messages in and select Other under Message Archives to match this.
- Folders. Right click your Gmail address and select Subscribe to choose which folders show.
- All Mail. Mozilla recommends unsubscribing for speed and space. Use filters for messages you need offline.
- Delete. Deleting a message or moving a copy to Trash removes all labels of that message.
What is the Gmail Connection Limit?
Google caps IMAP connections at 15 per Gmail account across all devices and folders. You cannot raise this cap. Going over it slows downloads and can delay or hide messages.
- Avoid settings that check every folder besides the Inbox for new mail.
- Clear the option to always check any folder besides the Inbox for new messages.
- Select Account Settings then Server Settings and disable immediate server notifications. Set Check for new messages every to a number of minutes.
What does Mozilla Not Say?
- Steps for 2-Step Verification or app passwords.
- Any discussion of POP.
- Steps for importing an old Gmail export file.
- Steps for Thunderbird 152 and older beyond the menu name.
Related reading: how to backup Thunderbird local folders and how to add multiple Gmail accounts into one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I Add a Gmail Account to Thunderbird?
Select Add Account then Email. Enter your name and Gmail address and sign in on the Google page.
Does Thunderbird Use IMAP for Gmail?
Yes. Mozilla states that Gmail uses a special IMAP implementation where labels appear as folders.
How Many IMAP Connections can Gmail Handle?
Google caps simultaneous IMAP connections at 15 per account. You cannot raise this cap.
What Happens When I Delete a Gmail Message in Thunderbird?
Deleting a message or moving a copy to Trash removes all labels of that message.
Does Mozilla Describe POP for Gmail?
No. Mozilla does not discuss POP.
Key Takeaways
- Select Add Account then Email to add Gmail to Thunderbird.
- Sign in through the Google page and finish the extra verification step.
- Gmail labels appear as Thunderbird folders.
- Google caps IMAP connections at 15 per account.
- Mozilla gives no POP steps for Gmail.
Sources and References
Facts follow Mozilla Support.
- Thunderbird and Gmail (Mozilla Support) support.mozilla.org