Thunderbird: Manage Multiple Email Accounts in One App
Add IMAP accounts and handle multiple inboxes with unified folders, searches, and filters. This guide covers installation, practical steps, limitations, and how to stop using the app.
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Who this guide is for and what to prepare
- First-time users of Mozilla Thunderbird
- People who want to check the storage location and safety of data while reducing manual work
What you need
- Check the processing target and storage location, and preserve the original data in another location
- Check the official distribution source, supported OS, and required permissions
When to use it
Add IMAP accounts and handle multiple inboxes with unified folders, searches, and filters.
Install the official version
- Install the official version from thunderbird.net and prepare your email provider's IMAP/SMTP settings and two-factor authentication conditions.
Try it
In the current version, you can add email accounts from Account Hub. The screen entrance differs depending on the version, but the common point is to check the provider's authentication method and server settings.
- In the new Thunderbird, open [≡] → [Add account] → [Mail]. In the old version, use [Account Settings] → [Account Operations] → [Add Email Account]
- Verify IMAP and SMTP hosts, ports, and encryption with source documentation
- Authenticate with OAuth etc. and wait for synchronization
- Send it to yourself and check your inbox as sent
- Select [Integrated Folder] in folder mode
Use it safely
Understand local storage and server deletion rules. Addition of work email may be restricted due to OAuth or device management.
Turn it off or restore settings
If you want to rearrange the display, change the folder mode back to [All Folders]. When deactivating your account, please re-read the email address in your account settings and make sure there are no local-only emails. Do not confuse IMAP email deletion with account settings deletion.
Limitations and requirements
- Understand local storage and server deletion rules. Addition of work email may be restricted due to OAuth or device management.
- Check the current specifications in the official documentation and reconfirm on-screen what you want to delete or overwrite.
Frequently asked questions
If I delete it using IMAP, will the web side also be deleted?
IMAP deletion can also be reflected on the server side. Instead of deleting emails when you just want to hide them from the list, change the folder view.
Unable to add with correct password
Check if the provider requires OAuth or an app password. Also check the user name, server name, port, and encryption method against the provider's settings table.
Official sources and verification date
Sources checked: . Check the official sources below for changes to supported systems, plans and menus.