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What should I use now that Gmail is stopping POP3 fetch for external accounts?
Google has initiated a significant restructuring of Gmail operations for 2026. This update introduces a highly requested rebranding capability while simultaneously retiring legacy consolidation features. Users must understand these changes to maintain seamless communication workflows.
Changing Your Primary Gmail Address
For years, a Gmail username (the part before @gmail.com) was permanent. Users seeking a professional rebrand were forced to create entirely new accounts or rely on aliases. As of late December 2025, this policy has shifted.
You may now modify your existing username directly within your Google Account settings. This feature is vital for professionals whose careers or marital names have evolved since they created their accounts.
How to Execute the Change:
- Navigate to Google Account.
- Select Personal info.
- Click on Email to check eligibility.
Critical Constraints:
- Availability: Google is rolling this out gradually; not all accounts will see the option immediately.
- Frequency: You can modify your username only once every 12 months.
- Format: The new address must end in @gmail.com.
This functionality differs from aliases. An alias merely masks the sender’s name; this update changes the actual login credential and primary inbox identity.
Discontinuation of POP3 Fetch and Gmailify
While the username update adds flexibility, the backend utility is contracting. Effective January 2026, Google is deprecating the “Check mail from other accounts” feature.
Previously, Gmail served as a central hub, using POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3) to fetch messages from third-party providers (like Yahoo or Outlook) and display them in your primary Gmail inbox. This capability is ending. Consequently, Gmailify—the tool that applied Google’s spam filters and categorization to these external accounts—will also cease functioning.
Strategic Recommendations for Users
If you currently rely on Gmail to aggregate multiple email addresses, you must alter your setup immediately to avoid missing communications.
Migrate to a Dedicated Client
Switch to robust email clients like Mozilla Thunderbird, Microsoft Outlook, or Apple Mail. These applications support multiple IMAP/POP3 connections natively, allowing you to view distinct inboxes within a single interface.
Implement Auto-Forwarding
If you prefer the Gmail interface, log into your secondary email accounts (the ones you were fetching) and set up server-side auto-forwarding to your primary Gmail address. This bypasses the need for Gmail to “fetch” the data.
Check your settings today. If the fetching service stops, emails sent to your secondary accounts will remain on those external servers, unseen in your Gmail inbox.