File Extension Database

Open MBOX File

MBOX file extensions are widely used for storing and organizing emails in a single text file. They are supported by various email clients such as Mozilla Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Microsoft Entourage, and Qualcomm Eudora among many others. In this article, we will explore different formats and ways to open and use files with MBOX file extensions.

The primary format of MBOX file is the standard UNIX mailbox format. It basically stores email messages as plain text, meaning that each message, along with its headers and attachments (if any), is stored in a continuous string of text. Line breaks in the message are preserved using a specific escape sequence. Other variants of MBOX format include mboxo, mboxrd, mboxcl, and mboxcl2, which have subtle differences, such as how it encodes From_ lines and message separators.

How To Open MBOX Files

Now that we have a basic understanding of what MBOX files are, let's check out how we can open and use these files on various platforms and email clients.

1. Mozilla Thunderbird

Mozilla Thunderbird is a free and open-source email client that supports MBOX files. Users can import and open MBOX files directly. Follow these steps to import MBOX files into Thunderbird:

Download and Install the ImportExportTools add-on from the Thunderbird Add-ons website.
Restart Thunderbird after the installation.
Right-click on "Local Folders" or any other account where you want to import the MBOX file, then click "ImportExportTools" and choose "Import mbox file".
Select the MBOX file you wish to import and click Open.

The MBOX file will now be imported into Thunderbird, and you can access its content in the designated folder.

2. Apple Mail

Apple Mail is the default email client on macOS systems and also supports MBOX files. To import an MBOX file in Apple Mail, follow these steps:

Open Apple Mail, then click "File" in the menu bar and choose "Import Mailboxes".
Select "Files in mbox format" and click Continue.
Navigate to the location of the MBOX file, select it, and click "Choose".

The imported MBOX file will appear under the "Import" section in the Apple Mail sidebar.

3. Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Outlook does not natively support MBOX files. However, there are third-party tools available to convert MBOX files into PST format, which is compatible with Outlook. One of these tools is Arysontech MBOX to PST Converter.

Follow these steps to convert and open MBOX files in Outlook:

Download and install the Arysontech MBOX to PST Converter.
Select the MBOX file you wish to convert and choose the required options.
Select PST format for the output file and click Convert.
Once the file has been converted, open Outlook, and import the PST file by clicking "File" ? "Open & Export" ? "Import/Export" ? "Import From Another Program or File" ? "Outlook Data File (.pst)".

MBOX File Important Information

In conclusion, MBOX files are a widely accepted file format and are supported by various email clients. With the right tools and techniques, managing, opening, and using MBOX files becomes easier and more convenient.

Keep in mind that there are multiple variants of the MBOX format, so you may need to check which format your email client supports. In some cases, you might need additional third-party software to use MBOX files with your email client or to convert MBOX files to other formats. The methods mentioned in the article should help you open and handle MBOX files effortlessly, making email management a breeze.

How Can I Open MBOX File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open MBOX file is to find a MBOX file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a MBOX file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open MBOX file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as MBOX file opener then try to search online for "MBOX viewer", "application to open MBOX file" or "open MBOX file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open MBOX file

How Can I Open MBOX File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a MBOX file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a MBOX file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with MBOX file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as MBOX file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open MBOX file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open MBOX file then try to search for "MBOX viewer", "application to open MBOX file" or "read MBOX file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read MBOX file

How Can I Open MBOX File on Android

If you downloaded a MBOX file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded MBOX file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "MBOX".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "MBOX viewer", "MBOX file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open MBOX File on iPhone or iPad

To open MBOX File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the MBOX file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "MBOX". This way you can find apps which can open MBOX files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "MBOX viewer" or "MBOX file" online in your favorite search engine.

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