Gmailify to Be Discontinued by January 2026
Google has confirmed that it will discontinue Gmailify by January 2026. Gmailify allowed users of Yahoo, Outlook, AOL, and Hotmail to access Gmail’s features without changing their email addresses. The feature was widely used by people who wanted Gmail’s interface and tools while continuing to use third-party email services.
Launched in February 2016, Gmailify was designed to enhance the email experience across platforms. It offered strong spam protection, smart inbox organisation, and better notifications. Users could manage all their emails within the familiar Gmail environment, making Gmailify a convenient solution for handling multiple accounts.
Google has already started notifying users about the upcoming shutdown. While the company has not shared detailed reasons, the decision appears linked to Gmail’s shift toward newer technologies and simplified services. Once Gmailify ends, Gmail-exclusive features will no longer work with non-Gmail accounts.
POP Email Fetching Feature Also Ending
Along with Gmailify, Google is also ending support for the “Check mail from other accounts” feature. This feature used the Post Office Protocol, commonly known as POP. POP allowed Gmail to automatically fetch emails from external providers like Yahoo and Outlook.
After the change, Gmail will no longer pull new emails from third-party accounts using POP. Emails that were previously imported will remain available in Gmail. However, new incoming messages will not appear automatically through this method.
This update may affect users who relied on Gmail as a single inbox for multiple accounts. Many professionals used POP syncing to manage work and personal emails in one place. Google’s move signals a shift away from older email systems in favour of modern and more secure protocols.
How Users Can Access Yahoo and Outlook Emails After Gmailify
Even after Gmailify ends, users will still have options to access their emails. Gmail will continue to support third-party accounts through the Internet Message Access Protocol, or IMAP. This option is available on the Gmail app for both Android and iOS devices.
With IMAP, users can read and send emails from Yahoo or Outlook accounts inside the Gmail app. However, Gmail-only features such as inbox categories and enhanced spam filtering will no longer apply. The experience will be more basic compared to Gmailify.
For users who access Gmail through a web browser, Google recommends enabling automatic email forwarding from the original email provider. When supported, this allows new emails to appear in the main Gmail inbox. These forwarded emails will not include Gmailify enhancements but will still be accessible.
As Gmail continues to evolve, the end of Gmailify marks a significant change for many users. Those who relied heavily on the feature are encouraged to review their settings early. Preparing in advance can help avoid disruptions and ensure a smoother transition.
