What exactly is Google discontinuing in 2026?

Google is removing POP3 mail fetching ('Check mail from other accounts' in Settings > Accounts) and Gmailify (linking external accounts to appear as native Gmail). Since Q1 2026, new setups are blocked. Existing configurations will be deactivated later in 2026. IMAP access to Gmail itself remains unaffected.

Can I still get my Yahoo/AOL/iCloud emails into Gmail?

Yes — via a one-time IMAP-to-IMAP migration with mailriva. Instead of Gmail continuously fetching emails, you copy all existing emails from your old account to Gmail once, completely and with folder structure.

What is the difference between POP3 and IMAP?

POP3 only downloads the inbox, without folder structure. IMAP transfers all folders, subfolders, and sent mail 1:1. mailriva uses IMAP on both sides for a complete migration.

Is there a free alternative to Gmail POP3 import?

mailriva is free up to 1 GB transfer volume. For most personal mailboxes under 1 GB, this is sufficient. Larger mailboxes start at EUR 12.90 — one-time, no subscription.

Does email forwarding work as a replacement?

Forwarding only redirects new incoming emails — but not existing ones. For a complete migration of all existing mail, you need IMAP-based migration.

Gmail POP3 Import and Gmailify Being Discontinued:
How to Still Transfer All Your Emails

Google is shutting down POP3 fetching and Gmailify in Gmail throughout 2026. Since Q1 2026, new setups are no longer possible — existing configurations will be deactivated later this year. If you've been pulling emails from Yahoo, AOL, iCloud or other accounts into Gmail, you need an alternative. mailriva provides one.

What is Google changing in 2026?

Google is discontinuing two features that millions of users rely on daily. New setups have been blocked since Q1 2026 — existing ones will stop working later this year:

POP3 Fetching Removed

The "Check mail from other accounts"feature in Settings > Accounts is being removed. Gmail will no longer pull emails from external mailboxes via POP3.

Gmailify Discontinued

Gmailify linked Yahoo, Outlook, or other accounts to appear as native Gmail addresses. This feature is also being shut down in 2026.

What Still Works

IMAP access to Gmail itself remains available. "Send mail as" continues to work. Emails already imported stay in Gmail.

The Alternative: IMAP Migration

Instead of continuous fetching, mailriva copies all emails once via IMAP from your old account to Gmail — complete and with folder structure.

How to migrate to Gmail despite the POP3 shutdown

Download mailriva

Download mailriva for free for Windows or macOS. The app runs locally on your computer.

Connect your old account

Select your current provider (Yahoo, AOL, iCloud, Outlook, etc.) and sign in. mailriva guides you through any IMAP setup needed.

Connect Gmail as destination

Transfer all emails

Select the folders you want and start the migration. All emails, folders, and attachments are copied via IMAP. Your old mailbox remains unchanged.

Migrate from these providers to Gmail

No matter which provider you previously linked via Gmail POP3 import — mailriva migrates all emails via IMAP:

Frequently Asked Questions

Gmail POP3 gone? No problem.

mailriva transfers your entire mailbox to Gmail via IMAP — all folders, attachments, and sent mail. Local, secure, free up to 1 GB.

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Gmail POP3 Import and Gmailify Being Discontinued:How to Still Transfer All Your Emails