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Changing gmail account to POP3 rather than IMAP

Anonymous
2025-07-13T15:28:31+00:00

I am using MS Outlook 2021 on my laptop with a gmail account. When I set up this account it automatically assigned gmail to IMAP. I would much rather use POP3 as I cannot get calendar categories to work using IMAP. (I know that sounds trite but being able to see things in color on my calendar helps me organize my life!)

I have seen many posts by robert365 (Roady) and as much as I try to follow - I AM GETTING NOWHERE!!

I really don't want to lose any of my save mail or calendar entries but can this be changed without losing information?????

I am desperate for help. Thanks

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For business

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  1. DYARI BARHAM 34,186 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-07-15T07:37:48+00:00

    It seems another .pst file with the same name was available. Backup all of them (don't delete any .pst file until you are assured all are backed up successfully), then export it again. Also, remove all the available accounts in Outlook to have only one account with POP3. Calendar should come with the .pst file as well.

    Regarding contacts, kindly check out the link below to export it:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/impo...

    Please feel free to ask if you need further assistance.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-07-14T13:11:22+00:00

    Thanks. I did that! I then created a new pop email account - since it the same name ******@gmail.com - it created a new pst file ******@gmail.com (1).pst

    How do I change that to the newly created pst file?

    Also does this automatically save my contacts & calendar information? I need to preserve that as well.

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  3. DYARI BARHAM 34,186 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-07-14T12:34:04+00:00

    In Outlook, go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export > Export to a file > Outlook Data File .pst > Select your Gmail account > Save.

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-07-14T12:32:12+00:00

    Where do I find the data file for IMAP to export to a pst file?

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  5. DYARI BARHAM 34,186 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-07-13T19:23:46+00:00

    Hi Michgal,

    I'm Dyari. Thanks for reaching out. I will be happy to assist you in this regard.

    I'm afraid that there is no way to change the configuration from IMAP to POP3 directly; however, you can try to export the IMAP into a .pst file. Then, add a new profile with POP3 and import the exported .pst file.

    Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export > Export to a file > Outlook Data File .pst > Select your Gmail account > Save.

    Also, ensure POP3 is enabled on your Gmail account:

    https://support.google.com/mail/answer/7104828?...

    If you are assured that the .pst file is created, you can remove your account in Outlook and add a new account with the POP3 configuration.

    Please let me know if you need further assistance.

    ____________________________________________________________

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