How to Migrate Thunderbird to Betterbird? Simple Guide

Admin ~ March 26, 2025 ~ 5 Minutes Reading

Due to enhanced features of Betterbird users wondering for the way to migrate Thunderbird to Betterbird. In this guide we will share about comparison, preparation, automated software to perform it and post migration steps. Whether switching for improved performance, additional features or long term support, this guide ensures a smooth transition.

Thunderbird is one of the most widely used open-source email client known for customizability, add-ons and cross platform support. However, some users experience performance issues, bugs, or lack of certain refinements that makes Thunderbird running slow.

Betterbird is an enhanced version of Thunderbird, designed to provide a more stable and polished experience. Developed by former Thunderbird contributor, Betterbird retains all core functionalities of Thunderbird while introducing bug fixes, UI Improvements and additional features for better email management.

Difference Between Thunderbird and Betterbird

Features Thunderbird BetterBird
Performance and Stability Thunderbird may experience occasionally slow down, crashes and freezes More stable with bug fixes, fewer crashes, and better responsiveness
Email Threading Issues with message threading and display Improved email threading and message organization
Tab Management Limited control over open email tabs Enhanced tab handling with better naviaton
User Interface Standard UI with occasional glitches Minor UI refinements for better usability
Profile Compatibility Users with standard Thunderbird profile Can use with same Thunderbird profiles without modifications
Bug Fixed Some known bugs remain unresolved for years Actively fixes Thunderbird long standing issues
Updates and Maintenance Official updates from Mozilla, but some bugs persist across versions Regular updates with bug fixes before they are addressed in Thunderbird
Customization and Add-ons Support Themes and extension may have compatibility issues Support most Thunderbird extensions and improes compatibility
Message Handling Some display and sorting issues in conversations Improved message display, sorting and handling

Purpose to Import Thunderbird Profile to Betterbird

  • It allows you to retain all emails, contacts and settings without altering from scratch.
  • BetterBird offers better performance and additional features with maintained Thunderbird core functionality.
  • BetterBird fixes various Thunderbird bugs and overall enhanced stability.
  • By importing Thunderbird profile, all email accounts and preferences remain intact eliminating the needs for manual configuration.
  • All pre-configured message filters, sorting rules and junk mail settings are preserved after migration.

Preparation Steps to Import Thunderbird Profile to BetterBird

  • Create a Thunderbird profile to prevent data loss.
    Windows: C:\Users\Admin\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\Profiles
  • Mac OS: ~/Library/Thunderbird/Profiles/
  • Linux: ~/thunderbird/
  • Copy entire Thunderbird profile folder to external hard drive or cloud storage to keep protected.
  • Ensure that Thunderbird is correctly closed before starting the migration process
  • Make sure Betterbird is also running in the background to prevent conflicts.
  • Open Thunderbird and check if emails, contacts and calendars are accessible.
  • Right-click on a folder, select Properties and click on the Repair folder.
  • Go to the official Betterbird website and download the latest version.

How to Migrate Thunderbird to Betterbird?

If you have uninstalled Thunderbird or have Thunderbird files need to import in Betterbird. So, we recommend you to opt Thunderbird Converter as it allows to migrate selectively or whole mailbox data into Betterbird. So, to follow procedure you must needed to click on download button and follow procedure to install it on your machine:

Procedure to Import Thunderbird Profile to Betterbird

  1. First, open Thunderbird Migrator on your system.launch Thunderbird Migrator
  2. Click on Select files or folders to select Thunderbird profile folder.Select Thunderbird files
  3. Now, Select Thunderbird folders as you want to use in Betterbird.Select Thunderbird data
  4. Browse Thunderbird in the list of saving options.Choose Thunderbird
  5. Choose an advanced filter to select crucial data to export.Select filter options
  6. Press Next to start importing Thunderbird profile to BetterBird.Start migrate Thunderbird to Betterbird

Remarkable Qualities of Recommended Software

  • It allows you to migrate Thunderbird to Outlook, Microsoft 365, Gmail, Zimbra and all IMAP Supported email platforms.
  • This software offers an easy to operate interface to easily perform by any professionals or individual users.
  • You can also convert Thunderbird emails to PDF, PST, TXT, HTML, and 28+ saving options.
  • With this software, it can auto-detect Betterbird profile and can be migrated with maintained attributes as appears in Thunderbird.
  • You can also extract email addresses, phone numbers and extract attachments from Thunderbird.

Post Migration Steps

  • Check all emails, folders and filters are correctly migrated into Betterbird
  • Check SMTP and IMAP settings are entered correctly by sending or receiving emails.
  • Verify if Thunderbird add-ons are compatible with Better Bird or reinstall if required.
  • Check you are using the latest version of Thunderbird for better security and performance.
  • Go to Settings and select Betterbird as default email application.

Final Thoughts

We now know how to migrate Thunderbird to Betterbird. Also, we understand the differences and why Betterbird is better than Thunderbird. If the profile gets disconnected, the Thunderbird profile is not configured, or you need to import multiple Thunderbird profiles to Betterbird, we recommend opting for the recommended automated software, as it ensures complete accuracy and is especially known for its performance. If you have configured the Thunderbird file, you can use it with Betterbird, as it can be configured.