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Import MBOX Disabled in Thunderbird? Here’s How to Solve It

Ritu Roy | fix how to mac os MBOX software technology | 5 minutes read | Modified on: 10-01-2026
Import MBOX is Disabled

Are you repeatedly struggling to import MBOX files into your Thunderbird email account, only to find the option greyed out? You’re not alone. In this blog, we will explore the reasons behind this issue and guide you step by step on how to fix the “Import MBOX is Disabled” problem in Thunderbird. We’ll also cover multiple methods, common causes, and expert tips to help you access your imported emails smoothly.

MBOX is a widely used file format for storing email messages across various email clients, including Thunderbird. However, older versions of Thunderbird do not provide a native option to import MBOX files. Even in Thunderbird 115, which comes with a built-in import feature, users may occasionally face errors while importing MBOX files. This write-up will outline all the practical solutions to resolve the “Import MBOX is Disabled” error effectively.

Quick Tip: To fix the MBOX import issue in Thunderbird, ensure that you install or update the ImportExportTools NG add-on, check that your Thunderbird version is compatible, and confirm that the MBOX file permissions are set correctly.

Why Does the “Import MBOX is Disabled” Error Occur in Thunderbird?

Thunderbird does not allow direct importing of MBOX files into its email accounts by default. To enable this functionality, it is necessary to install the ImportExportTools NG add-on. If the import option appears greyed out, it is usually due to one or more of the following reasons:

  • The ImportExportTools NG add-on is outdated, corrupted, or not functioning properly.
  • The Thunderbird version installed on your system is not compatible with the add-on.
  • The file permissions of the MBOX file are restricted, preventing Thunderbird from accessing it.
  • The Thunderbird account itself is corrupted, causing the import feature to fail.

Understanding these causes can help you take the right steps to fix the issue and successfully import MBOX files into Thunderbird.

How to Fix “Import MBOX File Disabled” in Thunderbird

If the Import MBOX File option is greyed out in Thunderbird, you can follow these multiple solutions to resolve the issue and successfully import your email files:

Solution 1: Install the ImportExportTools NG Add-on

Thunderbird requires the ImportExportTools NG add-on to import MBOX files. To install it:

  1. Open Thunderbird.
  2. Go to Tools > Add-ons and Themes.
  3. Use the Search bar to find ImportExportTools NG.
  4. Click Install to add it to Thunderbird.
  5. Restart Thunderbird to activate the add-on.

Once installed, you will find the Import MBOX File option under Tools > ImportExportTools NG.

Solution 2: Update Thunderbird

Older versions of Thunderbird can cause compatibility issues with add-ons. To ensure smooth operation:

  1. Open Thunderbird.
  2. Navigate to Help > About Thunderbird.
  3. If an update is available, download and install it immediately.

Note: Regularly updating both Thunderbird and the ImportExportTools NG add-on helps prevent errors and ensures a better experience.

Solution 3: Check MBOX File Permissions

Even with the add-on installed correctly, Thunderbird cannot read MBOX files if permissions are restricted. To verify and update permissions:

  1. Right-click on the MBOX file.
  2. On Windows, select Properties; on Mac, choose Get Info.
  3. Ensure you have Read & Write access.
  4. Make sure the file is not open in any other application while importing.

Solution 4: Create a New Thunderbird Profile

If the issue persists, your Thunderbird profile may be corrupted. Creating a new profile can help:

  1. Close Thunderbird completely.
  2. Press Win + R, type thunderbird.exe -p, and press Enter.
  3. Click Create Profile and follow the instructions in the wizard.
  4. Install ImportExportTools NG in the new profile.

This method usually resolves persistent import issues caused by profile corruption.

How to Fix “Import is Disabled” in Thunderbird

If you’re facing the “Import is Disabled” error in Thunderbird, one of the most reliable solutions is to use Macarmy MBOX Converter for Mac or Windows. This tool enables you to import MBOX files into Thunderbird safely and accurately, preserving the original email structure and folder hierarchy intact. The software ensures a fast and hassle-free transfer of your MBOX data.

For users who want to try it before purchasing, the demo version is available, allowing you to evaluate the entire process and see how the tool works at no cost.

Steps to Fix “Import is Disabled” Error on Mac

#1: Download, install, and launch MacArmy MBOX Converter on your Mac.

#2: Click the Add File(s) button to upload the MBOX files you want to import.

  • If you have multiple MBOX files, use the Add Folder option to upload all files at once.
  • Once the files are listed in the software interface, click Next to continue the process.

#3: In the following window, the software will display all uploaded MBOX files with checkboxes selected by default. You can deselect any files you don’t want to import and select only the specific MBOX files you wish to transfer to Thunderbird. Once your selection is finalized, click Next to continue.

#4: From the Select Saving Options drop-down menu, choose Thunderbird as the output format.

#5: Configure the Thunderbird-specific options according to your preferences, then click Export to start the process.

#6: The software will display a Live Conversion Report, showing the progress of the MBOX file import.

Within a few moments, the tool will display the message “Conversion Completed Successfully.” Click OK to close the notification. Next, open your Thunderbird email client to verify the imported files. You will notice that all emails have been transferred with accurate content, folder structure, and metadata, ensuring your data remains intact.

Key Features of the Application

  • Allows direct import of MBOX files into the Thunderbird email client.
  • Supports importing multiple MBOX files at once, regardless of quantity.
  • Handles large-sized MBOX files smoothly without any performance issues.
  • Offers multiple export options beyond Thunderbird, including PST, EML, HTML, PDF, DOC, TXT, Yahoo Mail, Office 365, and more.
  • Features a simple and intuitive user interface, making it easy for both beginners and advanced users to operate.
  • Maintains the original data integrity, ensuring emails, attachments, and metadata remain intact during the import.
  • Available for both Windows and Mac OS, supporting all major versions.

Conclusion

In this guide, we have shared effective ways to resolve the “Import MBOX File is Disabled in Thunderbird” error. Users can choose to follow manual methods or opt for a professional solution like MacArmy MBOX File Converter to import MBOX files directly into Thunderbird safely and efficiently. For further assistance or any queries, users can reach out to MacArmy Support for expert guidance.