An external POP client can download mail from Gmail, with settings controlling the server copy. This is different from Gmail fetching another provider’s messages through the retiring Check mail from other accounts feature. Confirm that POP is appropriate before configuring downloads.
Choose POP deliberately
POP downloads are not the same as full real-time IMAP synchronization across devices. If you need a consistent multi-device mailbox, compare the supported IMAP approach before choosing POP.
Preserve existing local folders and unsent mail. Rebuilding a downloaded-mail account can affect local-only history even when the Gmail server remains available.
Review Gmail’s source-copy settings
- On Gmail’s web interface, open Settings and See all settings.
- Find the POP Download section under Forwarding and POP/IMAP where available.
- Choose the intended download scope.
- Review what happens to Gmail’s copy after POP access.
Keeping the source copy visible is a useful preservation choice during testing. Archive, mark-read, and delete behavior have different consequences; do not accept a deletion setting without understanding it.
Use supported secure client authentication
Google’s POP server guidance lists pop.gmail.com with SSL on port 995. Outgoing SMTP is configured separately. Use the current client and Google’s supported authorization method; app passwords have eligibility conditions and are unnecessary when modern Google sign-in is available.
Do not copy obsolete advice to enable less-secure apps, disable verification, or use an unencrypted connection. Some older POP help sections still describe legacy authentication, so compare them with current Google client guidance.
Test harmless downloads and inspect the web copy before processing important mail. For organizational accounts, ask the administrator whether POP and the chosen client are allowed.
Google’s current deprecation FAQ explicitly distinguishes external access to Gmail from retiring third-party fetching into Gmail. Do not promise indefinite support beyond future official notices, but do not describe these opposite directions as the same January 2027 change.
Browse Gmail & Google Account help
References
- Read Gmail messages on other email clients using POP
- Add Gmail to another email client
- Sign in with app passwords
- Learn about upcoming changes to Gmailify & POP in Gmail
Reviewed against the linked product guidance, standards, and identified vendor or public-authority guidance on October 29, 2026. Available options and screen labels can vary by account, device, region, and organization policy.