Opening MBOX File in Outlook looks like a straightforward task if you know that Outlook can save its mailboxes in MBOX format via drag and drop approach. But, its not that simple. Simply because Outlook can export MBOX file, it does not mean that it can import them as well. In this article, you will get a complete knowledge as to why it is difficult to open MBOX file in Outlook 2019 Mac. More importantly, we will provide you with solutions that can help you read MBOX files in Outlook Mac without any inconvenience.
Technical Aspects & Readability of MBOX Files in Outlook
Let us make this clear that Outlook does not support ‘importing’ of MBOX files in any Outlook version on all platforms. The emphasis is given on the ‘importing’ word, because as an exception, Outlook for Mac 2016 & 2019 do save MBOX file if you drag and drop the mailbox folders from the Outlook interface to the desktop. But that’s it. There are no ‘pre’ and ‘post’ variations of this sentence.
Since there are no native options, people came up with their techniques or so we say ‘workarounds’ to open MBOX file in Outlook. Some are successful, some not. After going through the market trend, below we have summarized two techniques that are the most preferred among folks for importing MBOX and reading them in Outlook on Mac OS. Read them both and choose the one that suits your needs the best.
How to Open MBOX File in Outlook 2019 Mac?
In short, there are two ways to do this:
The Free Way
- Import MBOX File in Apple Mail
- Use IMAP and Migrate MBOX Data Over to Outlook
A Better Way
- Use a Tool to Convert MBOX to PST
- Import PST in Outlook Mac
Let us start with both the methods in detail.
Going Manually – Free but Is it? Your choice
- Open Apple Mail, go to menu bar and choose ‘File’ option.
- Select ‘Import Mailboxes’, set the source as ‘files in mbox format’.
- Locate the folder containing the files and select it.
- Now, configure a new Gmail account in Mac using IMAP protocol.
- Copy and move the email messages from the MBOX file into the Gmail account.
- Select Outlook > Preferences > Accounts and click on ‘+’ sign > New Account.
- Validate the account and select Allow if the Google window opens.
- Select open Microsoft Outlook in the popup window.
Once the process is over, users will be able to open MBOX file in Outlook Mac. However, there is no guarantee that the processed emails will carry the same formatting as in the MBOX file. Plus synchronization of emails take a lot of time to complete. And implementing all these steps can also be pretty daunting and not at all easy for non technical users.
Go With Automated Means – Easier & Better? Your choice
The automated means makes use of a professional software specifically designed for conversion. Unlike the manual method, it is not a workaround. You can even download the free version of the tool and operate it on your system for minimal emails for test purpose. It is definitely a good find in this case-scenario.
The steps below involve the complete process including the email conversion and opening the file on Outlook:
- Start Mac MBOX to PST Converter on Mac OS X 8.0 and higher versions.
- Click on ‘Add File’ and import the MBOX file into the software.
- Select ‘PST’ and convert MBOX to PST on Mac with advanced features.
- Now open Outlook 2016, 2019 Mac.
- Go to ‘File’ menu bar and select the ‘Import’ option.
- Choose the option having (.pst) format and continue to next window.
- Select the PST file created earlier and choose ‘Import’.
- Wait for the import process to complete and choose ‘Finish’ button.
Interface of the tool showing multiple export options:
The demo version of this application allows you to convert 25 emails per folder to PST file format for free. You can use it to test out the working of the tool.
If you are wondering about performing this conversion in Windows OS, you can take a look at the Windows version of this professional tool.
Summary
Here, we have explained 2 different methods to help you open MBOX file on your Outlook for Mac application. Both the methods are capable of opening MBOX file in Outlook Mac. You can either go for the manual method. It is a bit long but can be helpful if you are tight on budget. Or you can also choose the automated tool that can be used for free as a demo version before deciding on it. The choice is yours to make.
