While both IMAP and POP3 are protocols used to access email, we generally do not recommend using POP3 for most users. IMAP offers several important advantages that make it the better choice in today’s multi-device world.
IMAP Advantages
Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) stores all your emails on the server, allowing you to access your messages from multiple devices — whether it’s from your phone, tablet, laptop or desktop. Your inbox, sent mail and other folders remain synchronized across all devices, so you always have a consistent view of your email.
For example, if you send an email from your phone, that message will also appear in the “Sent” folder on your computer and tablet. Similarly, when you read, delete, or organize messages on one device, the changes are reflected everywhere.
POP3 Disadvantages
Post Office Protocol version 3 (POP3) was designed for a time when users typically accessed their email from a single device. When you use POP3, your emails are usually downloaded to one device and then removed from the server. This means those messages will no longer be available from other devices.
As a result, POP3 often leads to fragmented inboxes and lost messages when switching between devices. It’s not well-suited for users who want flexibility or need to check email from multiple locations and with multiple devices.
Using POP3
If you have a specific use case where you must use POP3, the settings you will need are as follows:
- Protocol or Mail Type — Select POP3
- Incoming Server or Host — Set to secure.emailsrvr.com
- Port — Set to 995
Other settings, such as Email Address, User Name and Password, as well as use of SSL for authentication remain the same as used when setting up an IMAP mailbox. Outgoing email server settings are not impacted by the use of POP3, as outgoing email is separate from incoming email.