Learn about changes to third-party email account support in Gmail

In our ongoing commitment to ensuring Gmail remains secure, smart, and easy-to-use, we occasionally have the difficult choice to discontinue features that require disproportionate maintenance resources. To that end, we are making changes to how Gmail handles third-party email accounts.

Starting January 2027:

Send emails from third-party email address support ends: The "Send as" feature allows you to send emails from a different address you own, such as work aliases or non-Gmail accounts. You will no longer be able to send mail from third-party email accounts in Gmail on the web or in the Gmail mobile apps. Gmail-to-Gmail aliases and Google Workspace “Send as” functionality is not affected. Learn how to send emails from a different email address or alias.
Web access changes: As previously announced, you can no longer add or sync your third-party email account in Gmail on the web. This is still available in the Gmail mobile app. Learn how to add your email account in the Gmail app.
Alternative access: To access your third-party email account, you can use a dedicated mail app, a desktop mail client, or the Gmail mobile app.

What’s changing

Starting January 2027, Gmail will no longer support these features.

“Send as” for third-party accounts

The “Send as” feature will no longer be available. This feature allows you to send email from a third-party address, such as @hotmail.com, @yahoo.com, and others, using your primary Gmail account.

Gmailify & POP on the web

Gmailify: This feature allows you to get Gmail features applied to your third-party email account. Examples include spam protection or inbox organization. Learn more about Gmailify.
Check mail from other accounts: Gmail will no longer fetch emails from third-party accounts into your Gmail account with POP.

Learn more about the upcoming changes to Gmailify and POP in Gmail.

Prior to January 2027, we will restrict new configurations of this feature.

What’s not changing

1. Third-party account support on mobile

Access through the Gmail mobile app for Android, iPhone, and iPad will not change. You can continue to add and use non-Google accounts in the Gmail mobile app as you do today.

2. Access Gmail from third-party clients using IMAP, POP, & API

Your experience remains unchanged if you use a third-party email client. For example, Outlook, Thunderbird, or Apple Mail can still access your Gmail account through IMAP or POP. These protocols remain fully supported for accessing Gmail from other apps. Learn how to read Gmail messages on other email clients using POP.

You can also continue using the Gmail API for programmatic access. Learn more about the Gmail API.

3. “Send as” for Gmail or Workspace accounts

You can continue to use "Send as" for any Google-hosted identities, including other Gmail addresses or aliases associated with your Google Workspace account. The discontinuation will not impact these addresses, which only applies to third-party, non-Google email accounts.

Timeline

Date	What happens
Q3 2026	“Send as” announcement and notice period begins. All affected users will receive an in-product notification.
Q3–Q4 2026	Transition period. “Send as” for third-party accounts, Gmailify, and POP continue to work, but Gmail may restrict new configurations. You are encouraged to migrate during this timeframe.
January 2027	Gmail will fully remove “Send as” for third-party accounts, Gmailify, and POP.

Review your options

If you currently use “Send as” with a third-party account or access a third-party account from Gmail on a web browser, here are your recommended paths forward:

Option 1: Use your provider’s native website or app

Send email directly from your third-party provider, for example, outlook.com, mail.yahoo.com, or their dedicated apps.

Option 2: Use a desktop mail client

Configure a desktop client to connect to your third-party account via IMAP/SMTP to manage multiple accounts in one place.

Option 3: Use the Gmail app for Android, iPhone, or iPad

You can continue accessing your third-party accounts through the Gmail mobile app on Android, iPhone, and iPad.

Third-party replacement services

You may find third-party tools or browser extensions that offer to replicate “Send as” functionality. Exercise caution with these services, as they often require access to your email credentials or OAuth tokens. This can expose your account to security and privacy risks.

Google cannot guarantee the safety, reliability, or data practices of these services. We strongly recommend using the official options listed above.

Frequently asked questions

Does the removal of “Send as” affect my ability to send email from another Gmail or Workspace address?

No. This change only applies to third-party accounts. Your ability to send from other Gmail addresses or Google Workspace aliases remains the same.

What if I rely on “Send as” for my business?

We recommend transitioning to a desktop mail client. This client should have IMAP/SMTP support. You can:

Use your third-party provider’s own interface.
Use Google Workspace for a custom domain.

If you are a Google Workspace admin that manages “Send as” for a business, learn how to add or delete an alternate email address or alias.

Will my imported messages be deleted?

No. Any messages you’ve already imported from a third-party account into Gmail will remain in your mailbox. This change only affects the ability to send as or sync with third-party accounts going forward.

Can I still receive email forwarded from a third-party account?

Yes. You can configure your third-party provider to auto-forward messages to your Gmail address. This is independent of Gmail’s “Send as” feature and does not affect it.

What POP features does Gmail still support?

Android access: Continue to access third-party emails using POP on Gmail for Android. Learn how to add another email account in the Gmail app.
External client access: Gmail also still supports reading emails from your Gmail account with external clients using POP. Learn how to read Gmail messages on other email clients using POP.