This article provides general information about Thunderbird.

What is Thunderbird?

Thunderbird is a free, open-source, cross-platform application for managing email, news feeds, chat, and news groups. It is a local email application, meaning it installs and runs as a client on your device, being rather than browser or web-based. It is powerful yet easy-to-use through its many features.

Who makes Thunderbird?

Thunderbird is developed, tested, translated and supported by volunteers, plus paid staff at MZLA. Thunderbird is a community driven project, because the project is overseen by the Thunderbird Council, which is elected by the Thunderbird Community. Thunderbird development is made possible by funds donated by the Thunderbird community to MZLA.

• The Thunderbird community and company (MZLA) is completely independent of the Mozilla Corporation, the makers of Firefox. But the Mozilla Corporation supports Thunderbird by hosting many of the Thunderbird infrastructure and resources.

Why should I use Thunderbird?

• Thunderbird is free.
• Thunderbird has many cool features.
• Thunderbird gives you control and ownership over your email.
• Many add-ons are available to extend and customize your email experience.
• Thunderbird's history is with Mozilla, and so it adheres to the Mozilla Manifesto, a pledge that describes a commitment to an open, accessible, egalitarian Internet.

Is Thunderbird free?

Yes! Thunderbird is open source software. Anyone can download and use the program for free, and view and modify the source code under the terms of the license.

Where can I download Thunderbird?

Download current versions of Thunderbird for all languages is available here, both mobile and desktop. We also have beta versions and daily versions for testing, and the source code.

Is Thunderbird available in my language?

Very likely, yes. Thunderbird has many dedicated volunteer translators who translate each version. If you do not find your language in the download list, then we encourage you to help develop a localized version with the help of other volunteers.

Is Thunderbird available for my platform?

Probably. Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android are available from the download page. For other operating systems, you can build Thunderbird desktop from the source code.

Is Thunderbird available for IOS or iPhone?

Thunderbird for iOS development (for iPhone and iPad) is in progress! When it is ready for users there will be a public announcement.

What is my Thunderbird email address?

Thunderbird the application (client) runs on your device to send, receive, sort and search your email messages, after you 'set up your existing email address(es).

If you do not already have an email address:

• Thunderbird can provide you with a Thundermail address.
• ISPs (Internet Service Providers) usually give you one or more email accounts when you sign up for their internet access.
• Employers often provide their employees with email accounts.

Where is my personal information (such as my messages, passwords, account information, etc) stored?

Thunderbird stores your personal data on your local drive. If you are using the IMAP protocol for accessing messages, then your messages are also stored on your email provider's server. See IMAP Synchronization for more information.

You will want to protect this information by backing up your profile.

Where can I get help with using Thunderbird?

Support is available at:

• The Knowledge Base of many articles, for example the article you are reading now.
• Thunderbird's support forum where you can ask a question, or search for issues and answers if you didn't find the answer in the Knowledge Base.
• Special topics and discussion sites.
• For add-ons (extensions) questions or problems you will want to find the Support site or Support E-mail adddress on each add-on's web page.

Can I help?

Yes, absolutely! Please do!

• Help other Thunderbird users with their Thunderbird questions.
• Help improve Thunderbird KB articles.
• Help in other ways, such as documentation, coding, and testing beta versions or daily versions.