End of gmail pop3

End of Gmail Pop3 – Google to Discontinue Import Feature

BySol Admin

Starting January 1, 2026, Google will officially discontinue support for POP email import in Gmail. If you use Gmail to fetch emails from other accounts via POP, it’s time to prepare for the transition to the new method.

Gmail Is Retiring POP Email Import: What It Means and What You Should Do

Gmail’s “Check mail from other accounts” feature has been used by a lot of users to pull in emails via POP3 for example, from a webserver – is being removed. This also marks the end of Gmailify, which allowed Gmail features (like spam filtering and labels) on third-party accounts.

Google cites security concerns and outdated technology as the reason for the change. POP lacks encryption, doesn’t support two-factor authentication, and doesn’t sync across devices. In contrast, IMAP is more secure, modern, and widely supported.

Who’s Affected?

  • Anyone using Gmail to pull in emails from another provider (e.g., Yahoo, Outlook, custom domains, your server) via POP.
  • Businesses consolidating multiple inboxes into Gmail.
  • Legacy setups relying on Gmailify for spam filtering or label management.

What You Should Do

Here are your options to stay ahead of the change and if you need any help, just reach out and we can assist you.

1. Switch to IMAP

IMAP is the modern standard for syncing email across devices. Most providers support it, and Gmail will continue to allow IMAP connections. You’ll need to:

  • Enable IMAP in your third-party email account.
  • Reconfigure Gmail to access that account via IMAP.

2. Use Email Forwarding

Set up your third-party email to forward messages directly to your Gmail address. This is simple and avoids sync issues, but you’ll lose the ability to send “as” the original address from Gmail.

3. Audit Your Setup

If you manage multiple inboxes or client domains, now’s the time to:

  • Review which accounts use POP.
  • Document forwarding or IMAP alternatives.
  • Update onboarding materials and client instructions.

How to Switch Gmail from POP to IMAP Import

If you’ve been using Gmail’s “Check mail from other accounts” feature via POP, here’s how to transition to IMAP before POP support ends on January 1, 2026.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Enable IMAP in Your Third-Party Email Account

Log into the email account you want to import from (e.g., Yahoo, Outlook, or your custom domain) and:

  • Go to settings or account preferences.
  • Look for “IMAP access” or “Server settings.”
  • Enable IMAP and note the incoming server details (e.g., imap.mail.yahoo.com, port 993, SSL enabled).

2. Remove the POP Connection in Gmail

  • Open Gmail on desktop.
  • Go to Settings → Accounts and Import.
  • Under “Check mail from other accounts,” click delete next to the POP account.

3. Add the Account via IMAP

  • In Gmail, go to Settings → Accounts and Import.
  • Under “Send mail as,” click Add another email address if you want to send from that account.
  • Use your third-party email provider’s IMAP settings to connect:
  • Incoming server: IMAP server address
  • Port: Usually 993
  • Security: SSL/TLS
  • Username/password: Your third-party email credentials

Alternatively, you can use Gmail’s mobile app to add the account via IMAP:

  • Tap your profile icon → Add another account → Choose provider → Enter credentials.

 

Will This Affect Existing Emails in Gmail?

No – your existing emails in Gmail will remain intact – even when you delete the pop settings.

  • POP-imported emails: These are already stored in Gmail and won’t be deleted.
  • IMAP sync: Going forward, Gmail will sync emails in real time from your third-party account. You’ll see new messages and folders as they appear.
  • Labels and organization: You may need to reapply Gmail labels or filters depending on how IMAP folders are mapped.

 

Help me!

Whether you are an existing customer or new, we are here to help, just reach out and we can assist you.

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