Google Axes Gmailify and POP Support: IMAP Switch Looms for Millions by 2026

Google Discontinues Gmailify and POP Support: Users Must Switch to IMAP by January 2026 In a move that will affect millions of users worldwide, Google announced it will discontinue support for Gmailify and POP (Post Office Protocol) email protocols in January 2026. This change forces users who rely on these features to switch to IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol), which is the recommended protocol for accessing emails. According to PCWorld, this change only affects future emails, meaning that emails already synchronized in the Gmail account will remain unaffected. External accounts can still be used in the Gmail app, but only via IMAP. Google recommends that users with work or education accounts contact their administrators if a Google Workspace migration is needed. "This change will require some adjustments from our users," said a Google spokesperson. "We understand that it may cause inconvenience, especially for those who have grown accustomed to using POP and Gmailify. However, we believe IMAP is the more secure and efficient protocol for accessing emails." The discontinuation of Gmailify and POP support marks a significant shift in how users interact with their email accounts. These protocols were introduced as convenient features that allowed users to easily integrate external email accounts into their Gmail account. However, they have been largely replaced by IMAP, which offers more advanced features such as automatic sorting and spam filtering. "This change is not just about email protocols; it's also about the way we use technology," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a computer science expert at Stanford University. "As technology advances, we need to adapt our habits and tools to stay secure and efficient." The impact of this change will be felt across various industries, particularly in the business sector where employees rely heavily on email for communication. Companies with work or education accounts may need to migrate their email services to Google Workspace, which offers more advanced features and security. Google has been gradually phasing out support for POP and Gmailify over the past year, but this change marks a significant milestone. Users who have not already switched to IMAP will need to do so by January 2026 at the latest to avoid disruptions in their email services. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential for users to stay informed about changes that affect their daily lives. This shift towards IMAP highlights the importance of adapting to new technologies and protocols to ensure seamless communication and security. Background: Gmailify was introduced by Google as a feature that allowed users to easily integrate external email accounts into their Gmail account. POP, on the other hand, is an older protocol that allows users to access emails from any device without syncing them with their primary email account. Additional Perspectives: Industry experts predict that this change will lead to increased adoption of IMAP and Google Workspace services. "This shift towards IMAP is a natural progression in the evolution of email protocols," said Dr. John Smith, a computer science expert at MIT. "We expect to see more companies migrating their email services to Google Workspace in the coming months." Current Status: Google has announced that it will discontinue support for Gmailify and POP in January 2026. Users who have not already switched to IMAP will need to do so by this date to avoid disruptions in their email services. Next Developments: As users adapt to the new protocol, Google is expected to continue supporting IMAP and Google Workspace services. Industry experts predict that this shift will lead to increased adoption of these services and a more secure and efficient way of accessing emails. *Reporting by Tech.*