POP or IMAP: differences and how to choose
IMAP keeps email folders on the server and syncs changes with the connected apps. POP downloads messages to the device; depending on its settings, it can keep a copy on the server or delete it afterwards.
| Need | IMAP | POP |
|---|---|---|
| Read from phone, computer and webmail | Shares the server's folders | Each device may keep different messages |
| Keep read, sent and folders organised | Syncs the folders used on the server | Does not sync that organisation between devices |
| Work offline | Lets you read what the app has downloaded | Lets you read the downloaded messages |
| Control space | Kept messages use mailbox quota | Depends on whether it leaves copies on the server |
POP normally fetches the inbox, not every folder. Sending uses SMTP with either protocol.
Which option to choose
Use IMAP if you need to continue a conversation from several devices. Make sure Sent, Drafts and Trash are mapped to the server's folders: a local folder on the computer is not synced just because other folders use IMAP.
POP can work for a deliberate local archive, but you need to know where it is stored and keep a separate copy. Do not choose it just to hide a quota problem without deciding how to keep the messages.
Syncing is not a backup: deleting a message over IMAP may also delete it from the server and from the other devices. With POP, a computer failure can affect messages that no longer exist on the server.
If you already use POP and want to move to IMAP
- Review the local messages and folders, including Sent. Check which ones also appear in webmail.
- Export or back up anything that only exists on the computer and check that you can open it.
- Add the IMAP account separately with the mailbox's secure details. Do not delete the POP setup yet.
- Copy a sample of the local messages to an IMAP folder and check its contents in webmail. Uploading uses quota and may take a while.
- Complete the copy in batches and check the result before removing the old account. Make sure POP does not keep deleting from the server the messages you need to sync.
Changing a connection option does not automatically turn a local archive into email available on every device.
You may also find useful
- Email connection details: IMAP, POP and SMTP Find your mailbox's server, secure ports and credentials to set up an email app.
- Set up an IMAP account in Mail for Mac Add your mailbox to macOS Mail and check the incoming and outgoing servers, security and synced fold...
- Set up an IMAP account on iPhone or iPad Add your email to Mail on iOS or iPadOS with the mailbox's secure details and check the SMTP server...
- Set up email on Android with IMAP Set up your mailbox in an Android app with secure IMAP and SMTP and check syncing and notifications.
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