October 7, 2026: Google is preparing to remove Gmailify and Gmail’s web-based “Check mail from other accounts” POP functionality, with the transition culminating in January 2027.

What is changing?

Gmailify lets eligible third-party accounts use Gmail features such as spam filtering and inbox organisation. “Check mail from other accounts” lets Gmail retrieve messages from another mailbox through POP. Google is also changing support for certain third-party sending workflows.

Why small businesses should care

Many small businesses have domain email hosted outside Google while employees use Gmail as their everyday interface. These configurations can remain unnoticed for years. If a workflow depends on POP fetching, messages may stop arriving in the Gmail web interface after the shutdown.

Alternatives

Google recommends using the external provider’s interface, configuring the account through IMAP/SMTP in a compatible mail client, or adding the account to the Gmail mobile app. Forwarding can also be appropriate for some receiving workflows.

Migration checklist

  • Identify accounts using “Check mail from other accounts”.
  • Check third-party addresses used for sending.
  • Confirm where each business mailbox is hosted.
  • Test IMAP or the provider’s native interface.
  • Check website lead forms and conversion tracking and support notifications.

Email marketing impact and marketing automation workflows

The change does not mean Gmail itself is disappearing and does not automatically affect email-delivery platforms. However, marketing and sales teams should review operational inboxes used for campaign replies, lead notifications and customer enquiries; teams should also review their content marketing and customer communication workflows.

What happens next

Businesses should migrate before January 2027 rather than waiting for the shutdown. Early testing gives teams time to resolve authentication, forwarding and sending problems without disrupting customer communication.

Source: Google Gmail Help, 2026.

Related Reading