02 Quick Guide on Exporting AOL Emails to Thunderbird in 2025

Although migrating emails from one platform to another can often be intimidating, you are lucky if you want to convert your AOL emails to Thunderbird. Many people choose Thunderbird/ Mozilla's open-source email client because of its adaptability and simplicity of use. This guide will walk you through two distinct ways/ a manual approach/ and a professional solution/ regardless of whether your goal is to back up your data or handle your AOL emails in Thunderbird.

Why Export AOL Emails to Thunderbird?

Users might want to move their AOL emails to Thunderbird for several reasons. Some usual reasons are:

1. Improve your email management with Thunderbird which has useful tools like folders/ custom filters and tags to help you organize your emails better.
2. Thunderbird lets you save emails to your computer so you can read them even when you're not online.
3. Thunderbird has strong security features like advanced encryption and effective spam blockers.
4. Whatever your reason for moving, this help will clearly explain how to do it.

Method 1: Manual Method for Exporting AOL Emails to Thunderbird

The manual method allows you to export your AOL emails to Thunderbird using the IMAP protocol. This approach works for users who want to migrate only a few emails or prefer a more hands-on approach without using third-party tools.

Step 1: Set Up Your AOL Account in Thunderbird

Before transferring your AOL emails to Thunderbird, you must set up your AOL account using the Thunderbird email app. Please follow these steps:

• Download: If you haven't done so/ go to the official page and download Thunderbird: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/thunderbird/.
• Start Thunderbird. After installing/ opening the app.

Create a New Account:

• Click on File in the top menu/ then choose New and pick Existing Mail Account.
• Please provide your name/ AOL email address/ and password.
• Press Continue. Thunderbird will immediately find the AOL server settings.

Check Server Settings:

• Thunderbird will show a confirmation screen with the server options for AOL's IMAP and SMTP.
• IMAP Server: imap.aol.com (Use port 993 with SSL)
• SMTP Server: smtp.aol.com (Use Port 465 with SSL)

Make sure the "Remember password" box is checked then click Done. Sync.

Step 2: Export Emails from AOL to Thunderbird

• After setting up your AOL account in Thunderbird you can start saving your emails. Please follow these steps:
• Choose the emails you want to export: Open your inbox or any place in Thunderbird where your AOL emails are saved.

Copy Emails to a Local Folder:

• Right-click the place where your emails are kept (like Inbox) in the left panel.
• Click on "New Folder" to make a private folder for saving your AOL emails.
• Just drag and drop the emails or select several emails and press Ctrl + C (Cmd + C on Mac) to copy them. Then go to the local folder and paste them using Ctrl + V.

Export Emails to a Local File:

• If you want to save your emails as separate files you can use the export tool in Thunderbird.
• Select the emails you want to send/ then go to File > Save As > File.
• Select a location on your machine and save your emails as .eml files.

Step 3: Backup or Move Emails (Optional)

Once you move your emails to Thunderbird you can save them to an external drive/ store them in the cloud/ or just keep them in Thunderbird for later use. If you want to move them/ Thunderbird lets you quickly save folders as MBOX files. You can then import these files into other email programs if you need to.

Method 2: Professional Tool for Exporting AOL Emails to Thunderbird

The manual method works for users with simple needs, but it can take a long time, especially if you have a lot of emails to get. In these situations, using a professional email transfer tool can make the process easier. Mailvita AOL Backup Tool is a reliable solution that helps users back up their AOL emails in different forms, like MBOX/EML/ PST, etc. It has an easy-to-use interface that lets both beginners and experienced users safely export emails, attachments, and metadata. The tool helps move many emails at once, saving time and keeping the emails safe. If you want to move emails to Thunderbird or Outlook or save them on your computer, this tool provides a safe and easy way to back up and transfer your emails.

Guide to the following

• Download and install the Mailvita AOL Backup Tool on your computer.
• Open the tool and sign in to your AOL account.

• Choose the emails or files you want to save.
• Select the file type you want for the backup: MBOX, EML, or PST.

• Click "Start" to begin the backup process and save the saved emails.

Which method should you choose?

The manual method is good for users who have just a few emails to export and know how to use Thunderbird. It saves money but can be slow and difficult for big moves.

If you have a lot of emails or want to keep all files, attachments, and metadata safe, using a professional email migration tool is the best option. It provides fast, reliable, and easy mass migration.

Final Thoughts

Exporting AOL emails to Thunderbird is a simple process/ whether you decide to go the manual route or use a professional email migration tool. By following the steps outlined above you can seamlessly migrate your emails to Thunderbird for better organization/ offline access and improved security. Always remember to back up your emails before beginning any migration process and choose the method that best suits your needs and technical comfort level.