If your Nili mailbox is getting full, you can safely move all your messages to your computer and free up space on the server. The best way to do this is with a desktop email client such as Mozilla Thunderbird.

Once downloaded, your messages remain accessible offline, and you can delete them from the server without losing them.

Method 1: Using Thunderbird to Download Emails Directly

Thunderbird is a free, cross-platform email client that makes it easy to back up your mailbox.

Step 1. Install Thunderbird

• Download it from https://www.thunderbird.net/
• Install the application on your computer

Step 2. Add Your Nili Account

1. Open Thunderbird
2. Go to Menu (≡) → New → Existing Mail Account
3. Enter your name, Nili email address, and password
4. Thunderbird will try to detect settings. If needed, enter them manually using the Nili Email Client Setup Guide

Important: Choose POP3 if your goal is to download and then remove emails from the server. Choose IMAP if you want to mirror the server first, then move mail locally.

Step 3. Configure Storage Settings

For POP3 accounts:

1. Go to Account Settings → Server Settings
2. Under “Message Storage,” uncheck Leave messages on server
3. This ensures that once downloaded, emails are removed from the Nili server
4. Alternatively, set a custom retention period (e.g., “delete after 14 days”) if you want a grace period

For IMAP accounts:

1. IMAP normally keeps mail on the server
2. To free space, move or copy all messages into Local Folders in Thunderbird (drag & drop)
3. After confirming your messages are safe locally, delete them from the server folders

Step 4. Wait for Synchronization

Thunderbird will download all your emails. The time depends on mailbox size. Keep Thunderbird open until the status bar shows the sync is complete.

At this point, you have a complete offline copy of your emails.

Method 2: Exporting Emails for Backup with ImportExportTools NG

For an additional layer of safety, or if you want to keep a one-time archive file, Thunderbird offers a free extension called ImportExportTools NG.

Step 1. Install the Add-on

1. In Thunderbird, open Menu (≡) → Add-ons and Themes
2. Search for ImportExportTools NG
3. Click Add to Thunderbird and restart Thunderbird if prompted

Step 2. Export Your Emails

1. In the left sidebar, right-click the folder you want to back up (Inbox, Sent, or even the whole account)
2. Choose ImportExportTools NG → Export all messages in the folder → EML format (or MBOX if you prefer)
3. Save the exported file to your computer or external drive

These exported files can later be re-imported into Thunderbird or another mail client if needed.

Method 3: Exporting from Nili Webmail (Optional)

If you prefer not to install a mail client:

1. Log in to Nili Webmail
2. Select Roundcube as your webmail interface
3. Open a folder (e.g., Inbox)
4. Select all messages
5. Click More → Download (if available) to save as .eml files

Note: Webmail export is limited to one folder at a time and may not be practical for large mailboxes. Thunderbird is strongly recommended for full backups.

Verifying Your Backup

• Open your Local Folders in Thunderbird to ensure emails appear offline
• Double-click a few random messages to confirm they open without an internet connection
• If you used ImportExportTools NG, check that your .eml or .mbox files contain the messages

Key Tips

• Use POP3 if you want Thunderbird to download and clear messages from the server automatically
• Use IMAP + Local Folders if you want to manually control which emails are removed from the server
• Always back up exported files to a safe location (external drive or cloud storage)

Recommended Setup

Add your Nili account in Thunderbird using POP3. Disable Leave messages on server. Periodically use ImportExportTools NG to export and archive your Local Folders.

This way, your server space stays clean, and your full email history remains safe on your computer.