Settings

Thunderbird and Junk / Spam Messages

This article explains how Thunderbird's adaptive filter learns to identify junk mail ("spam").

Filelink for Large Attachments

Messages with large attachments are often rejected by mail servers. Thunderbird can use web-based storage services to send large file attachments.

Thunderbird and Gmail

Thunderbird can be set up to work seamlessly with Google's Gmail. Messages will be synchronized between your local version of Thunderbird and web-based Gmail.

Compacting folders

This article explains how Thunderbird stores messages on a disk drive and why it is necessary to periodically compact (purge).

The difference between IMAP and POP3

Thunderbird gives users the choice between using IMAP or POP3. This documentation will explain the major differences between these protocols.

Import settings and data into Thunderbird

With Thunderbird's import tool, you can import settings and data from a variety of sources including Thunderbird profiles, other applications or files.

Signatures

This article explains how to create and use custom signatures (text or images that are automatically appended to messages).

Message threading in Thunderbird - keep messages grouped by conversation

Threading is a useful way of displaying message list in Thunderbird with your messages grouped in tree structures by conversations. Here's how to enable it.

Import settings and data into Thunderbird for Android

How to import email settings from K-9 and Thunderbird for Android

Profile Manager - Create and remove Thunderbird profiles

Thunderbird stores your personal information and settings in a profile folder. Learn to work with different profiles on Thunderbird.

Getting Started with the Thunderbird main window (Supernova and newer)

For Supernova TB115 & newer, an overview of the Thunderbird Mail window, explaining the Folder Pane, Message List Pane, Header Pane, Message Pane, & Today Pane.

Thunderbird add-ons - frequently asked questions

Add-ons are extensions and other additions that add new functionality to Thunderbird or change its appearance.

Customize Date and Time formats in Thunderbird

How to customize date and time formats in Mozilla Thunderbird using regional settings or override preferences.

How to change the Thunderbird layout

Thunderbird contains three layout options for you to choose from to best fit your preference.

Use multiple profiles in Thunderbird

Thunderbird saves personal information such as messages, passwords and user preferences in a "profile". This article describes how to use multiple profiles.

Switch from POP to IMAP account

This article explains how to switch from a POP to an IMAP account in Thunderbird.

Setup your email account for using End-To-End Encryption

To use End-To-End Encryption with Thunderbird, you must prepare your own keys or certificates in account settings. This article explains what to do.

IMAP Synchronization

IMAP stands for the Internet Message Access Protocol. It enables a mail client (such as Thunderbird) to access messages stored on a mail server. It is more modern and fully featured than POP (Post Office Protocol), which is the other major protocol for accessing mail messages. Most email providers now support IMAP. To see whether your account uses IMAP or POP, check the Server Settings page in the Account Settings.

Installing an Add-on in Thunderbird

Add-ons add functionality to Thunderbird or change its appearance. Learn how to install add-ons to Thunderbird.

Config Editor

Using the config editor to view or edit Thunderbird preference settings.

FAQ Changing IMAP to POP

If your mail server supports both IMAP and POP, Thunderbird will use IMAP by default. Use these instructions to manually configure a POP account.

How to Subscribe to News Feeds and Blogs

An introduction to RSS feeds, and instructions on how to use them in Thunderbird.

Display the Thunderbird menus and toolbar

The menu items File, Edit, View, etc. are located in the menu bar. This article will help you restore a missing menu bar.

Message List Columns

This article explains how to configure the columns that Thunderbird displays in message lists.

Advanced panel - System, network, updates, and other advanced settings in Thunderbird

Learn about the Advanced panel of the Thunderbird Options/Preferences window including scrolling, system integration, network, update, certificates, etc.

Configuration Options for Accounts

Learn about the Account Settings window including server settings, identities, signatures, and more.

Install themes to change the look of Thunderbird

A theme is a type of add-on which changes the visual appearance of Thunderbird. Learn how to find, install, and manage themes within Thunderbird.

Get started with Thunderbird

Get started with Thunderbird for webmail users

How to disable or change the Thunderbird start page

Change the Thunderbird start page to any webpage, or set it to a blank page.

Hyperlinks in Messages Not Working

When clicking hyperlinks in email, your default web browser should open and display their content. Learn why that may fail and why links may not be clickable.

OpenPGP Recipient Alias Configuration

How to set up and use the OpenPGP recipient Alias feature in Thunderbird.

Maildir in Thunderbird

Optional support for Maildir allows you to store email as individual files, unlike the default single file format. Learn about Maildir in Thunderbird.

Security panel - Junk, scam, antivirus, and password settings in Thunderbird

Learn about the Security panel of the Thunderbird Options/Preferences window including junk mail control, scam detection, antivirus integration, and passwords.

Privacy panel - Remote content and cookie settings in Thunderbird

Learn about the Privacy & Security options in Thunderbird (mail/web content, cookies, passwords, junk/spam detection, data collection, antivirus, certificates).

Dangerous directories

Some system folders are not allowed when setting Thunderbird storage location as they cause issues.

Thunderbird makes unrequested connections

Thunderbird sometimes automatically connects to the Internet. These connections are for routine maintenance, update and security purposes.

How to Customize the New Mail Sound

Learn how to customize the sound that plays when a new email message is received.

Instant Messaging and Chat

As of Thunderbird 52.x, Thunderbird supports instant messaging and chat using IRC, XMPP, Twitter, and Google Talk

Getting started with the Thunderbird main window

An overview of the Thunderbird Mail and Newsgroups window, explaining the Folder pane, Message List pane, Header pane, Message pane, and Today pane.

Upgrading from an older version of Thunderbird

This article will help you upgrade old versions of Thunderbird to the latest version.

Unified Toolbar

Intro to the Unified Toolbar and how to customize the buttons for the different toolbars for: Mail, Address Book, Calendar, Tasks, Chat and Settings "Spaces."

userChrome.css and .js and userContent are unsupported

userChrome.css, userChrome.js, userContent.css and userContent.js are unsupported because they can break at any time and are difficult to troubleshoot.

Notifications in Thunderbird

This allows Mozilla to push important, time-sensitive notifications to users. These notifications are scheduled based on version, OS and locale.

Creating a Newsgroup Account

Thunderbird can be used to read messages from and write messages to Usenet newsgroups.

Names but no Email Addresses are Displayed

I can only see the message sender's name, not address!

Make Thunderbird the Default Mail Client

If Thunderbird is specified as your system's default email application, it will integrate with other applications (such as word processors and web browsers).

Configuration Options for Identity

This page describes Thunderbird's configuration options that affect your identity.

Configuration Options for Tags

This page describes Thunderbird's configuration options as they relate to tagging messages.

Configuration Options for Attachments

This page describes Thunderbird's configuration options for attachments.

Certificates

Block a sender

How to Install and Use another Language in the Dictionary on Thunderbird

How to install and use additional language dictionaries on Thunderbird.

Installing Thunderbird on Ubuntu Linux

Add Search Engine to Open Search

Open Search enables Thunderbird users to search various websites from within Thunderbird. This article describes how to add additional websites to the Open Search interface.

Installing and Using another Language in the Dictionary

How to Customize Toolbars

This article explains how to customize the position and contents of Thunderbird toolbars.

Thunderbird and Logjam

Thunderbird no longer supports 512 bit (so called US export) keys for TLS connections.

Unable to install add-ons (extensions or themes) in Thunderbird

This article describes various reasons that would cause an add-on not to be able to be installed and what you can do to fix the issue.

Unable to uninstall add-ons (extensions or themes)

This article describes how to uninstall an extension or theme that can't be removed normally.

Thunderbird Matrix Chat FAQ

FAQ for the Matrix Chat feature in Thunderbird