Got EML email files, and now you’re wondering how to get them into Gmail? While Gmail doesn’t support direct EML upload, there are ways to open or attach your EML files. Find out here how to open an EML file in Gmail ⤓ (and how to import it with an email program, too).
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How to Open an EML File in Gmail
Time needed: 2 minutes
To open an EML email file in Gmail on the desktop in a browser:
- Open Gmail.
- Start a new message.
- Type the subject from the EML file under Subject.
Optional: The subject will make the email with the EML file more distinguishable, but it is optional; you can leave the subject empty.
Mendable: You can also pick a different subject, of course. - Attach the EML file to the email draft.
Here’s how: Drag and drop or select Attach files, then find and upload the EML file.
Import directly: Using an email client, you can also import EML files into Gmail instead of as attachments; see below.
- Optional: Send yourself the message with the attached EML file.
Here’s how: Type your Gmail address in the To line, and click Send, of course.
Optional, but beneficial: You can leave the EML file as a draft in Gmail, but it will always carry the Draft label and will always show up under Drafts. To keep EML files permanently, it is better to send them to yourself. - If you sent yourself the copy, archive the message from your Gmail inbox.
- To view the attached EML file in Gmail, open the email and click it.
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How to Open an EML File in Gmail: FAQ
Can I search for text inside the EML files?
Yes.
Gmail will let you find text inside the EML files you have attached and archived.
Out of Gmail: How to Save a Gmail Email to an EML File
Can I download the EML files again?
Yes.
Download the attached EML files like other attachments.
Can I import EML files into Gmail without attaching them?
No, not using the Gmail web interface.
Yes, you can add EML files to Gmail using an email program. To do so:
- Set up Gmail using IMAP in an email program such as Thunderbird, for instance.
Their word: Google includes some information on setting up Gmail in email programs with Gmail help. - Import EML files into the [Gmail]/All Mail folder.
Thunderbird: In Thunderbird, you can do that by dragging and dropping EML files onto that folder.
Can I use Simple HTML Gmail to open EML files?
Yes, with limitations.
While you can attach and find EML files just fine in Simple HTML Gmail, the basic HTML version
(Tested in a desktop browser; first published June 2023, last updated October 2025)