Support article
Difference between POP3 and IMAP
Understand the differences between POP3 and IMAP and choose the best protocol for your email setup.
Introduction
When you set up an email account, your mail program usually asks you to choose between POP3 and IMAP. Both receive mail, but they work in different ways.
Choosing the right one helps avoid messages disappearing, folders not syncing or sent mail not showing on other devices.
What POP3 and IMAP are
POP3 downloads email from the server to one device.
IMAP keeps email on the server and synchronizes it across all connected devices.
Main differences
| Feature | POP3 | IMAP |
|---|---|---|
| Where mail stays | Downloaded to the device | Kept on the server |
| Synchronization | Limited | Full across devices |
| Server folders | Usually not fully synced | Synced |
| Recommended use | One device | Several devices |
Conclusion
POP3 and IMAP are not the same. If you use more than one device, IMAP is the better choice. If you want to download everything to one computer only, POP3 can work, but it must be configured carefully.