Google is removing two long-standing Gmail features that many users rely on to manage emails from other providers. The affected features are Gmailify and “Check mail from other accounts.”
The change means some users may no longer see new emails from non-Gmail addresses inside Gmail unless they adjust their settings.
The first feature being removed is Gmailify. This feature allowed users to connect email accounts from services such as Yahoo Mail and Outlook to Gmail and enjoy Gmail’s extra benefits. These benefits included strong spam filtering, inbox categories like Primary and Promotions, faster search, and better notifications on mobile phones. With Gmailify being discontinued, emails from other providers will no longer receive these advantages.
The second feature being shut down is “Check mail from other accounts.” This option allowed Gmail to automatically fetch emails from other email services using the POP3 system and display them in the Gmail inbox on a computer. Once this feature is removed, Gmail will stop collecting new emails from those external accounts.
Google says users will not lose emails that were already imported. However, new messages from other providers will not appear automatically unless users take action. To continue receiving emails from other accounts, users are advised to set up email forwarding from those accounts or add them to the Gmail mobile app.
The Gmail app on Android and iPhone will still allow users to read and send emails from other providers using IMAP, which is a more modern email system. However, this method will not include the extra Gmail features that Gmailify previously provided.
Although Google has not given a detailed explanation for the change, it is widely believed to be linked to security and system updates. POP3 is an older technology, and Google appears to be moving away from it in favour of safer and simpler methods.
For many users, especially those who use Gmail as a single place to manage several email addresses, this change may require adjusting how they handle their emails. Users are encouraged to review their settings to avoid missing important messages.
