The open source email client Mozilla Thunderbird is now also available for Android. This marks a big milestone for the makers and enables users to use the client on desktop systems and on mobile systems powered by Android.
With iOS support in the works, Thunderbird will be a true cross-platform email client that you can run on all major operating systems.
One of the main questions that existing Thunderbird users may have is this: how do I get my settings imported to Android?
Thankfully, Thunderbird’s team has published an easy to follow step-by-step guide that explains the entire process.
Note: the functionality requires manual steps. It also requires the latest version of Thunderbird 128 or Thunderbird Beta 132 or newer on the desktop. Only these versions come with the “export for mobile” option that is required.
Import email data from Thunderbird desktop to Android
All the latest version of Thunderbird for the desktop include an option to export data specifically for mobile use.
Here is how that is done:
- Open the Thunderbird email client on the desktop system.
- Select Menu > Tools > Export for Mobile.
- Modify the accounts you want to export (Optional).
- Decide whether you want to include account passwords (Optional)
- Activate the Export button.
Thunderbird displays a QR code when you hit export. Keep the screen open and switch to your Android device.
- Open Thunderbird on the Android device.
- Activate the get started button on the first screen.
- Select import settings.
- Scan the QR code that Thunderbird on the desktop shows.
- Select next, if you have selected multiple accounts for export.
- Repeat the steps 4 and 5 until all accounts have been added.
If everything went well, Thunderbird for Android should have imported the account settings from the desktop client. Thunderbird for Android should start looking for new emails immediately.
You can check out the full blog post to find out what is new and supported in Thunderbird for Android.
I have an premium webmail account with Tuta.com (formerly Tutanota). That also has an Android app which I have installed and a desktop client so I’ve no need of Thunderbird at this time.
Not ready to import/synchronize the address book.