How to Resolve Import MBOX File is Disabled in Thunderbird [Fixed]

Mozilla offers regular updates for its free-of-cost email client Thunderbird. But it does not offer any direct option to import MBOX file in Thunderbird. For that, users have to rely on add-ons or third-party tools. As the add-ons are free, most of the users pick that over the application. However, Mozilla has not introduced any feature yet to move MBOX files into the Thunderbird.

So, to import the MBOX file, many users prefer ImportExportTools NG. While using that, users complain that import MBOX file is disabled in Thunderbird and they are unable to import the file. If you are also facing the same issue in Thunderbird, it is time to get some concrete solution. Read this blog where “import MBOX file option grayed out” issue is discussed.

Note: If you just updated to the latest Mozilla Thunderbird 78, you will not be able to install third-party add-ons like ImportExportTools NG. The reasons being the incompatibility of in this add-0n with Thunderbird 78. If you are a Thunderbird 78 user, do not waste your time with the manual add-on. Switch immediately to Thunderbird Import Wizard to quickly import MBOX to Thunderbird.

What People Say about “Import MBOX File is Disabled in Thunderbird” Problem

This is what a Thunderbird user asked in a tech forum:

“Being a Thunderbird user, I was quite happy with its features. This email application works fine considering it is a free clients. Its free set of add-ons are also useful. For last few days, I am unable to import any new MBOX file in my Thunderbird as import MBOX file is disabled in Thunderbird. I even reinstalled my Thunderbird and added add-on again, but none of these helped to improve my situation. Does anyone know how to fix this issue? Please suggest.”

Why Import MBOX Option Disabled in Thunderbird: Reasons Explained

Many factors can be responsible for this problem of Thunderbird. Users have to find out the actual reason to resolve this. Nevertheless, this blog will look into the major reasons.

1. In earlier updated on Thunderbird, not updating the Thunderbird can be the reason.
2. If Thunderbird is having some bugs, users might be facing this problem.
3. Conflict with anti-virus software or any other application might also cause this.
4. If some important directory file go missing from MBOX, users will have Import MBOX file option disabled in Thunderbird.

How to Fix Import MBOX File is Disabled in Thunderbird problem

If you cannot find the import MBOX file option in Thunderbird, you need to perform the following methods.

Manual Workarounds to Fix

• Users can try this manual fixes to resolve import MBOX file is disabled in Thunderbird.
• Restart Mozilla Thunderbird and shutting it down completely.
• Disable the add-on and re-enable. If that does not work, uninstall and then reinstall.
• If there is an anti-virus software installed on system, check if it is conflicting with the add-on.
• See if the MBOX files have the correct directory.

Foolproof Solution to Resolve Disabled Option

If none of the above techniques work for the users, they have only one solution in front of them which is to take help from some efficient tool like Thunderbird Import Wizard. This application is easy to use and people without nay technical experience can use this without any glitch. This is how you can import MBOX file in any preferred account of Thunderbird.

It only needs a few simple steps to import MBOX files in Thunderbird. Note that users need to have an account configured in Mozilla Thunderbird.

a. Open the tool on your computer and select MBOX at the top.

b. Click on Add Files button to include the MBOX file.

c. After the files are added, apply date filter if needed.

d. Click on the destination profile from the list.

e. Click on Import button to complete the process.

Note: To import data in IMAP configured account, select Local Folders as the destination. Later users can move the MBOX data to IMAP email account by dragging and dropping

Additional Benefits of Using the Application

When users stop using the problematic add-on and move to this software mentioned above, they can enjoy some extra perks such as:

• Import multiple MBOX files in bulk to Thunderbird
• Move Maildir and EML files using the same tool
• Maintain original hierarchy of MBOX folders
• Apply date filter to import emails of a date range
• Auto-load all configured emails accounts
• Data-loss free process with 100% success rate

Conclusion

Import MBOX file is disabled in Thunderbird is an inconvenient situation for every Mozilla Thunderbird user. It does not allow users to access MBOX file in Thunderbird. This problem is having a rise with the release of Thunderbird 68 and Thunderbird 78 versions. Whoever facing this issue must refer to this blog to get some reliable solution.