How to Split MBOX File Into Smaller Files? – Perfect Approaches

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Published By Siddharth Tehri
Published On April 22nd, 2025
Reading Time 6 Minutes Reading
Category Thunderbird

Split MBOX File Into Smaller Files

You landup on this page, it means you have large size .mbox file and you want to devide into smaller parts. After understanding your requirement, I can assure you that you will find reliable and trusted ways to split MBOX file without changing data structure.

MBOX is a file format commonly used to store email messages. Also, this file can be accessed by email clients such as Mozilla Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Eudora, Google Takeout, Opera Mail, and many more. However, managing the data and reaching out can be challenging when working with large MBOX files. Now, if you are facing the problem of large MBOX file size limit and are looking for a reliable solution, Then, your search is over. So, today we will tell you the best ways to split MBOX file into smaller files through this blog. Thus, read the blog till the end and try the solutions.

Now, let us move forward to see the user query and know about the reasons and benefits behind splitting MBOX files into separate files.

User Query:user query related to Split MBOX File Into Smaller Files

Now, let us go to the below part to know about the reasons.

Split MBOX File Into Smaller Files – Reasons

Once it reaches full size, it will undoubtedly have many of the same problems as Thunderbird or Apple Mail. We have listed some issues below:

  • Emails will no longer be accepted by the mail server.
  • It is possible that Windows will not allow Mozilla Thunderbird to open.
  • Malware and adware can make MBOX files easy targets.
  • Every time you open an account, Thunderbird will display the “UID maximum mailbox size exceeded” error.
  • Emails in the Inbox folder cannot be opened by the recipient.
  • New files will not occupy the storage drive.

After knowing all the reasons. Let us know about the benefits of dividing MBOX into smaller files.

Method-1: Split MBOX File Into Smaller Files – Automated Software

If you seeking the best solution to divide the MBOX file into smaller parts. Then, you can use this MBOX Splitter Tool. This utility split MBOX files into separate files in an easy & simple manner without wasting time and data. Also, the software is effective and packed with powerful capabilities. File segmentation is one of these advantages. Additionally, it enables users to split the result file after the MBOX file conversion process. You can use the application to split the final file into MB or GB-sized chunks.

This useful tool split multiple MBOX files and preserves attachments. Moreover, this software enables users to restore deleted MBOX emails in high-quality file format and recover all deleted emails from MBOX files.

Steps to Split MBOX File

Wait is finally over, follow the below listed steps and easily split MBOX file and save in required size.

  1. First, download and run the utility on your local system to start the split process. A home window will appear. 
  2. Choose either Add File or Add Folder option to browse the MBOX file that you want to split into smaller size. add file
  3. Verify added MBOX files into software panel. After that hit Next button and proceed. verify added file
  4. Here apply the splitting options like: Split by Size, Split by Date, Split by Date Range, Split by Year. After this provide size limit to brak MBOX file. At last browse the path to save output file after splitting MBOX file and hit Split button. provide split mbox options
  5. Software will start the splitting process and notify once the split process is completed. mbox file splitted successfully

Method-2: Split MBOX File Into Smaller Files – Manually

If you want to manually split the MBOX file into smaller files. Then this part will prove to be quite right for you. But before trying this solution it is important to know about its disadvantages like it is very long and time-consuming. Along with this, the email client that has the MBOX data file has to be installed on the computer, technical knowledge is very important, and there are chances of data loss. Well, follow the steps mentioned below.

    1. Activate Mozilla Thunderbird.
    2. Set up a user account (such as Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook.com, etc.) to launch the program immediately.
    3. Right-click on the Local Folders item in the left panel of the email client and select Settings from the context menu.
    4. The path found should be copied to the local directory.

After This Follow Below Steps:

  1. Activate this system path.
  2. The MBOX file you want to split should be copied here.
  3. Restart Thunderbird now.
  4. The MBOX file is located in the Local Folders section.
  5. Double-click on Local Folders >> New Folder to create a new folder and give it a suitable name.
  6. Select half the email messages in the MBOX file folder, then use the right-click menu to move them to the new folder first in Local Folders.
  7. Then, right-click on the remaining email messages of the MBOX file folder and choose Move To >> Local Folders >> Another New Folder.
  8. When you move the files, when you access the local directory path on your machine, you should see two new MBOX files (files without extensions) with the same names as your two new folders.

Well, if you want to split the MBOX file without facing trouble. Then, you can move on to the below parts to know the automated approach.

Advanatges of Splitting MBOX File

Here are the benefits of cutting MBOX files into smaller parts:

  • Easier handling and management of large MBOX files.
  • Improved performance for operations like searching and loading.
  • Targeted access to specific email messages or subsets of data.
  • Enhanced compatibility with email clients or applications.
  • Simplified migration of email data.
  • Flexible backup and recovery options.
  • Reduced risk of data loss or corruption.

So, we have covered all the important points in the above sections. Now, it’s time to know how to solve this problem. Thus, there are two types of solutions available for this task. Manual and Automatic. Both of these solutions have their own advantages and disadvantages, so, let’s go through the following and increasing solutions.

Time to Conclude It

We have conveyed the trustable method to split MBOX file into smaller files in this technical blog. So, dividing large MBOX files into smaller files is an effective way to manage and organize your email data. Whether you prefer manual methods, third-party tools, email client filters or scripting, there are various options available to suit your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1: What is the MBOX File Size Restriction?

Ans: MBOX files are 4.7 GB in size.

Q 2: How Many Times Should the MBOX File Be Compressed?

Ans: There are no requirements in this regard. It all depends on the size of the mbox file and how often you receive emails.