Feature Request: A native system tray (AppIndicator) integration

[SphinxGaze]

I’d like to request a feature for Mozilla Thunderbird on Ubuntu/Linux:

A native system tray (AppIndicator) integration with the ability to:
• Run in the background without keeping a window open
• Minimize to tray instead of the taskbar/dock
• Option to start minimized to tray on system startup
• Show unread mail count directly in the tray icon

Right now, users rely on third-party tools like Birdtray, which work but feel like a workaround rather than a seamless experience. A built-in solution would improve usability significantly especially for those who prefer a clean desktop while keeping Thunderbird always running in the background. I think this feature would bring Thunderbird closer to the behavior users expect from modern messaging/email clients on Linux desktops. Would love to see this considered in future updates!

[Jon]

Thanks for submitting an idea to the Mozilla Connect community! Your idea is now open to votes (aka kudos) and comments.

[NeuroticWalrus]

Absolutely ridiculous that we are still here in 2026 trying FOR YEARS now to get a feature that exists in virtually every mail client in existence added to thunderbird. There is no excuse for this.