Google is ending support for two features that allow users to consolidate emails from non-Google accounts—Gmailify and POP access—effectively limiting how seamlessly other email services can integrate with Gmail. These changes, scheduled for new users in early 2026 and existing users later that year, will impact those who rely on centralized email management within the Google ecosystem.
The End of Gmailify: Losing Enhanced Features
Gmailify, launched in 2016, enabled users to import emails from services like Outlook and Yahoo while applying Google’s spam filtering and inbox organization (such as the Social and Updates tabs). This feature worked by leveraging a modified IMAP protocol. After the shutdown, users will still be able to connect third-party accounts via standard IMAP, but without the added benefits of Google’s AI-driven features.
This matters because: Gmailify provided a superior user experience for non-Google email. The loss of automated spam filtering and categorization will likely result in a less efficient inbox. The change also highlights Google’s strategy of keeping users firmly within its own services.
For mobile users (Android and iOS), accessing third-party accounts via IMAP remains an option through the Gmail app. Simply add another account via your profile avatar. However, the web version will no longer support this enhanced integration. Emails synced via IMAP will appear in Gmail but won’t be stored within Google’s storage limits, meaning deletions in Gmail will also occur in the original account.
POP Access Discontinued: A Legacy Protocol Fades
Google is also phasing out POP (Post Office Protocol) access. While an older standard superseded by IMAP, POP has provided a straightforward method for downloading emails from other accounts into Gmail. Unlike IMAP’s syncing capability, POP downloads emails and can either leave them on the server or remove them.
Why this change is significant: POP allowed for full offline access and easy backups. The removal of POP means users will lose a reliable way to archive emails from other accounts directly within Gmail.
Google suggests auto-forwarding as an alternative, but this method only allows reading replies from the original address aren’t possible. Furthermore, some providers, like Yahoo Mail, charge for auto-forwarding.
What Users Can Do Next
The most practical alternatives include:
- Using IMAP on Mobile: Continue accessing third-party accounts via the Gmail app on Android or iOS.
- Desktop Email Clients: Sync multiple accounts, including Gmail, using a desktop email client (e.g., Outlook or Apple Mail).
- Auto-Forwarding (with Limitations): Use auto-forwarding if available from your email provider, but be aware of the inability to reply from the original address.
The removal of these features underscores Google’s push to keep users engaged within its ecosystem. While alternatives exist, they often require more technical setup or come with limitations.
Ultimately, users who rely on these integrations will need to adapt to a more fragmented email experience or consider alternative email management solutions.
