Gmail settings for a desktop client

[Dorkenstein]

I've been wanting to use gmail with a desktop client for a long while, but every time I try thunderbird or something similar, my gmail account spits out all my emails going back to 2005. Sorry if it's a noob question, but how can I set gmail up so it only shows brand new emails? Thanks.

 

[MrChad]

1. Under Gmail settings, check the option for "Enable POP for mail that arrives from now on"
2. Set up Gmail in Thunderbird as a POP account

 

[Dorkenstein]

Thanks, now is there a way that I can access mails I've received already while offline?

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: Dorkenstein
Thanks, now is there a way that I can access mails I've received already while offline?

I think it's one or the other. Either download everything locally or new mail going forward.

 

[Trevelyan]

Yeah, what you should do is just download everything to Thunderbird through POP. That way you have it in Thunderbird, and it stays in your Gmail as well.

If it helps, you can also change your username to recent:xxx@gmail.com to download only the last 30 days worth of email.