GMAIL IS DISCONTINUING GMAILIFY! WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR YOUR PROFESSIONAL EMAIL ADDRESS?
Do you use Gmail to manage your work emails? If so, it’s a good idea to take a moment to consider an upcoming change.
Starting in January 2027, Google will discontinue Gmailify and the feature that allows Gmail to retrieve emails from external mailboxes via POP3. The ability to send emails from Gmail using an external email address will also be removed from the web version. Nothing will change for the mobile app. The discontinuation will only affect users who have linked an external mailbox to Gmail. Professional email addresses through Google Workspace will continue to function as usual.
Do you use a connection like that? Don't worry, there are several ways to keep managing your emails.
WHAT IS GMAILIFY?
Gmailify is a piece of software within Gmail that allows you to use certain Gmail features for an email address hosted by another provider. For example, you might have a professional email address through your hosting provider, such as Level27.
This way, you can take advantage of Gmail's spam filter and organization features without having to change your existing email address.
In addition, there's a separate feature that allows Gmail to retrieve emails from other mailboxes and place them in your Gmail inbox. This feature works via POP3.
Both features will be discontinued starting in January 2027. But what exactly is the difference between the various links?
POP3: Retrieving Emails
POP3 stands for Post Office Protocol version 3. This protocol retrieves emails from a mail server and downloads them to an email program. Gmail uses this technology to retrieve emails from external mailboxes and place them in your Gmail inbox. Starting in January 2027, this will no longer be possible via the web version of Gmail.
IMAP: Synchronizing Your Mailbox
IMAP stands for Internet Message Access Protocol. It allows you to view your mailbox on different devices and in different email programs. Changes—such as reading, deleting, or moving a message—are synchronized with the mail server.
Gmailify stopped supporting IMAP connections earlier this year. However, you can still use IMAP to connect your work email account to an email program such as Outlook or Thunderbird. The Gmail app on your smartphone also continues to support external email accounts.
Important to know: The discontinuation does not mean that your professional email address will disappear. It affects the way you use Gmail to manage your emails.
SO HOW CAN YOU CONTINUE TO MANAGE YOUR EMAILS IN ONE PLACE?
Fortunately, you don't necessarily have to change your email address. There are several alternatives, depending on how you work today.
Use a different email program
The simplest solution is often to switch to a different email program. Consider, for example, Outlook, Mailbird, or Thunderbird. You can connect your work email account directly to the program via IMAP and SMTP. This allows you to receive, send, and manage your emails from a single central location, even if you have multiple email addresses. Your email address itself remains the same.
Have your emails automatically forwarded to Gmail
Do you want to continue using Gmail through your browser? If so, you can set up automatic forwarding with your email provider. New messages that arrive at your work email address will then be forwarded to your Gmail address. There is one important thing to keep in mind, though: you will no longer be able to reply from Gmail in your browser using your work email address. This is because the “Send as” feature will also be removed. Setting up an SMTP connection alone is therefore not enough to get around this.
Do you want to continue managing your professional emails in one place and be able to reply using your own email address? If so, you could switch to an email client like Outlook or Thunderbird, or host your mailbox on Google Workspace if you want to keep using Gmail in your browser.
WHICH SOLUTION IS RIGHT FOR YOUR MAILBOX?
The right solution depends on how you use your email today. Do you mainly use Gmail in your browser, manage multiple email accounts, or use your work email address on your smartphone as well? It’s especially important that you check your email settings in a timely manner. This will help you avoid a situation where, starting in January 2027, you suddenly stop seeing new emails or can no longer reply from your work email address.
Not sure how your email account is set up or which solution is best for you? At Websters, we’d be happy to work with you to assess how you currently work and determine which adjustment makes the most sense for you. That way, you can continue to use your professional email seamlessly even after Gmailify is discontinued.
Any questions? Feel free to send an email to chayenne@websters.be.
