UserLAnd
Linux apps on Android

How to run Thunderbird on Android

Install BirdBox from Google Play. It runs desktop Thunderbird on Android, with the account setup wizard, tabbed email, search tools and contacts you know from the PC.

Get it on Google PlayBirdBox

Step by step

  1. Install the app from Google Play

    Search Google Play for BirdBox by UserLAnd Technologies, or use the button on this page. It is a one-time purchase.

  2. Open it and let it set up

    The first launch downloads and sets up the Linux files the app needs. Stay on Wi-Fi; this only happens once.

  3. Add your email account

    Thunderbird's account wizard opens. Enter your name, email address and password, and it finds the server settings for most providers.

  4. Use touch as a mouse

    Tap with one finger to click, two-finger tap to right-click, pinch to zoom, slide two fingers to scroll, and hold and slide to pan. Tap the screen and choose the keyboard icon to type.

What you get

  • Send and receive email
  • The mail account setup wizard
  • Tabbed email
  • Search tools and attachment reminders
  • Contacts management

What you need

  • An Android phone or tablet with Google Play
  • Free storage for the Linux files (a tablet or a phone with a large screen is most comfortable)
  • Internet for the first-time setup
  • Optional: a Bluetooth or USB keyboard and mouse

Working with your files

Your Linux home folder (/home/userland) links to Android’s Documents, Pictures and other folders, so you open and save files there directly.

Prefer free? Run it inside UserLAnd

UserLAnd is free, and you can install Thunderbird in it yourself: in UserLAnd, set up Debian, choose Graphical, open a terminal and run sudo apt install thunderbird. BirdBox does all of that for you in one tap, and buying it supports UserLAnd development.

How UserLAnd works →

Frequently asked questions

Why use desktop Thunderbird instead of a mobile email app?

Desktop Thunderbird has a different feature set from mobile email apps, including its own add-ons and advanced filtering.

Is BirdBox made by Mozilla?

No. BirdBox is not Thunderbird itself and is not a Mozilla project. It is a compatibility layer that runs desktop Thunderbird.

Can I run Thunderbird on Android for free?

Yes. Install Debian in the free UserLAnd app and run sudo apt install thunderbird in its terminal. BirdBox saves you those setup steps.

About this app

BirdBox is not Thunderbird itself and is not a Mozilla project. It is a compatibility layer that runs desktop Thunderbird.

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