---
title: IMAP and POP3
description: Two email retrieval protocols. IMAP syncs with the server; POP3 downloads to one device.
canonical: https://penasihathosting.com/en/hosting-wiki/imap-pop3
type: wiki
locale: en
updated: 2026-10-29
author: Willya Randika
---

# IMAP and POP3

## Overview

- **Summary:** Two email retrieval protocols. IMAP syncs with the server; POP3 downloads to one device.
- **Author:** Willya Randika ([profile](/penulis/willya-randika))

## Article

**IMAP** and **POP3** are protocols for retrieving email from a server. IMAP syncs messages and folders across devices; POP3 downloads messages to one device and usually removes them from the server.

## The main difference

| Aspect | IMAP | POP3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sync | Yes, across devices | No |
| Storage | On the server | On the device |
| Folders | Supported | Limited |
| Server quota | Important | Smaller |
| Best for | Multiple devices | One device/offline |

## Secure ports

| Protocol | Secure port | Older port |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IMAP | 993 (SSL/TLS) | 143 (STARTTLS) |
| POP3 | 995 (SSL/TLS) | 110 (STARTTLS) |
| SMTP | 465/587 | 25 |

Use SSL/TLS. Port 25 is often blocked by ISPs and is not suitable for user email submission.

## What to watch for

- **Mailbox quota.** IMAP keeps messages on the server; a large inbox can fill it.
- **Deletion behavior.** POP3 can remove messages from the server after download; be careful when switching devices.
- **Sent items.** IMAP usually syncs the sent folder; POP3 often does not.
- **Provider configuration.** Hostname, port, and SSL must match the documentation.
- **Forwarding is not IMAP.** Forwarding redirects messages; it does not sync a mailbox.
- **Migration.** When moving providers, copy the mailbox over IMAP so folders and read state come along.

For a team opening email on a laptop and a phone, IMAP is almost always the better choice. POP3 is still useful for offline archives or a single device. If the provider limits IMAP connections, reduce active clients or use IDLE sparingly. Enable 2FA and use an app password.

## FAQ

<Accordion>
  <AccordionItem title="Which is safer, IMAP or POP3?">
    Both can be secure with SSL/TLS. The difference is the sync model, not basic security.
  </AccordionItem>
  <AccordionItem title="Does POP3 delete email from the server?">
    It depends on the client setting. Many clients offer “leave a copy on server”; if disabled, messages are removed after download.
  </AccordionItem>
  <AccordionItem title="Why does email not appear on my phone?">
    Make sure the account uses IMAP, not POP3, and that the folders to sync are selected. Check the mailbox quota too.
  </AccordionItem>
</Accordion>