If you want to migrate Thunderbird to AWS, you need to import all Thunderbird email, contacts & calendar into your AWS Work Mail account. You can do so manually by setting up an Amazon Web Services account in Mozilla Thunderbird & relying on IMAP sync. However, if you have enterprise-scale data and need to ensure integrity & compliance, it is best to use Thunderbird to AWS Work Mail migration tool.
Mozilla Thunderbird V/S AWS Work Mail & Why Move?
Mozilla Thunderbird is a desktop-based, free and open source email client used on all Mac, Windows & Linux devices. Thunderbird lets you access multiple POP & IMAP emails in one place.
However, many users are now willing to migrate Thunderbird to AWS Work Mail due to reasons such as cloud integration, better data security, and a modern interface. Here is a quick comparison between them:
| Feature | Mozilla Thunderbird | Amazon WorkMail |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Desktop Email Client | Cloud Email Service |
| Installation | Mac, Windows & Linux | Web-based & Mobile App |
| Offline Access | Yes | No Offline Access |
| Contacts & Calendar | Yes (local/CardDAV) | Yes (built-in) |
| Crashes & Security | Frequent Crashes with Data Loss | No Data Loss |
| Add-On Support | Yes | No |
| Collaboration | Limited | Team features (shared calendar, etc.) |
| Cost | Free | Paid (per user/month) |
| User Type | Personal users | Businesses |
Due to these advantages, users wish to import Thunderbird to AWS Work Mail.
Perform a Thunderbird to AWS Work Mail Migration
Here, step-by-step methods were discussed to move Thunderbird data to an AWS account using both free & professional approaches.
What will get migrated:
- Address Books & Calendar
- Attachments
- Local Folders
- Metadata
- Folder & Sub Folder structure
Note: Before you start migrating Thunderbird to AWS Work Mail you must always back up your Thunderbird profile for easy restoration whenever needed.
Method 1: Using IMAP Sync to Migrate Thunderbird to AWS Work Mail
The process involves setting up your AWS Workmail account in Thunderbird and then using the IMAP sync with Move To or Drag & Drop to import Thunderbird to the AWS Workmail account.
If you are using the manual IMAP sync way to migrate Thunderbird to AWS mail. It is suggested to move in small batches (500–1000 emails) due to the threshold limit of the account.
- Open Thunderbird on your computer.
- Click on Menu >> New Account >> Email.
- Enter your name and AWS WorkMail email address.
- Choose IMAP as the configuration setup.
- Thunderbird can now autofetch the DNS records.
- Verify them and enter the password to log in.
- Move Thunderbird folders to AWS Workmail accounts.
- For Custom Folder: Right-Click >> Choose Move To >> Select the AWS Workmail account as the saving destination.
- For Inbuilt-Folders: Open Folder >> Press Ctrl +A >> Right-Click >> Move To >> Select the AWS Workmail account as the saving destination.
- Repeat the process with all folders.
Tip: Instead of moving everything under a single folder, you can preserve the folder
hierarchy in the manual approach by creating similar folders and then moving emails into the AWS account.
Wait for the sync process to get completed, and then you can use the AWS mail account. After the process is completed, you can use your AWS account in Amazon WorkSpaces very easily with all your Thunderbird data.
Import Thunderbird Address Book to AWS Email Account
- Open the Address Book in Thunderbird.
- Use the shortcut Alt + 2 to go to the Address Book.
- Locate your AWS account-specific address book.
- Open All Address Books.
- Press Ctrl + A to select all contacts.
- Drag and drop into your AWS account-specific address book.
What if AWS Thunderbird Fails to Connect to SMTP or IMAP?
If your Thunderbird cannot connect to the server for an AWS account, ensure that the configuration settings are correct. Or you are going for manual configuration instead of auto-fetch from the DNS database. Here are the general configuration settings.
| Details | IMAP (Incoming) | SMTP (Outgoing) |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol | IMAPS | SMTPS |
| Port | 993 | 465 |
| Secure Connection | SSL/TLS | SSL/TLS |
| Authentication Type | PLAIN | PLAIN |
| Server (US West – Oregon) | imap.mail.us-west-2.awsapps.com | smtp.mail.us-west-2.awsapps.com |
| Server (US East – N. Virginia) | imap.mail.us-east-1.awsapps.com | smtp.mail.us-east-1.awsapps.com |
| Server (Europe – Ireland) | imap.mail.eu-west-1.awsapps.com | smtp.mail.eu-west-1.awsapps.com |
Ensure that you are using the correct username and password as well.
Method 2: Professional Way to Migrate Thunderbird to AWS
Thunderbird Migration Tool for Mac & Windows is the best way to import Thunderbird emails into AWS WorkMail limitlessly without failure or error.
Using the tool, you can migrate bulk data while preserving all attributes such as attachments, contacts, and calendars in the fastest way with modern & secure authentication.
Steps to Import Thunderbird to AWS Work Mail Account
- Download and install the tool on your Mac or Windows device.
- Select whether to import from a backed-up Thunderbird profile or configure a Thunderbird profile.
- Preview and choose the folders of Thunderbird to be imported into the AWS WorkMail account.
- From the saving options, choose IMAP.
- Enter your AWS WorkMail credentials, such as host name, email address, port number, and password.
- Press OK to start Thunderbird to AWS WorkMail migration.
Why Use Thunderbird to AWS WorkSpaces Migration Tool?
- Import bulk Thunderbird emails, contacts, and calendar to the AWS Work Mail account at once.
- Has smart filters to import selective data based on date, subject, sender, and receiver details.
- Compatible with all AWS email accounts and Thunderbird versions.
- It lets you import backed-up Thunderbird data or data from even a crashed Thunderbird in an AWS Workmail account
Need help migrating Thunderbird to AWS WorkSpaces for your business?
Get in touch with our Thunderbird experts via Live Chat. They are available 24/7, globally, to assist with complex migrations.
FAQS: Migrate Thunderbird to AWS
Q1: Does Thunderbird use AWS?
Although you can configure AWS Workmail in Thunderbird and import data from other POP accounts & local folders. However, if you want to import Thunderbird to Amazon Simple Email Service (SES) accounts need a dedicated migration tool for it.
Q2: Can I migrate contacts and calendar from Thunderbird to AWS WorkMail?
Yes, both the manual method and the professional tool allow you to migrate contacts and calendars. However, with the manual method, they are done separately, and the tool allows you to do so in one go.
Q3: How long does it take to migrate Thunderbird to AWS WorkMail?
It depends on mailbox size, internet speed, and the number of emails being transferred.