What is the difference between email IMAP and POP?

The key difference is where your emails are stored. With POP your emails are downloaded to your device and deleted from the server (unless you change the default settings). With IMAP, emails “reside” on the server and you can easily read and interact with emails from multiple devices.

Should I use POP IMAP or SMTP?

Generally speaking, IMAP is more powerful and the recommended method for receiving email if you’re working across multiple devices. Alternatively, if you prefer to have all emails accessible offline, and if you have a designated device for email, then POP could be a suitable option.

Which is better for Gmail POP or IMAP?

Step 1: Make sure POP is the best way to read your emails IMAP and POP are both ways to read your Gmail messages in other email clients. IMAP can be used across multiple devices. Emails are synced in real time. POP can only be used for a single computer.

What are the disadvantages of IMAP?

DISADVANTAGES

  • Mails won’t work without an active internet connection.
  • In case email usage is more, you would need a larger mailbox storage which might cost more.
  • Accessing mails little slower as compared to POP3, as all folders get synchronized everytime there is a Send / Receive.

Where is POP3 used?

Post Office Protocol 3, or POP3, is the most commonly used protocol for receiving email over the internet. This standard protocol, which most email servers and their clients support, is used to receive emails from a remote server and send to a local client.

Why should I use IMAP instead of POP?

For most users, IMAP is a better choice than POP. POP is a very old way of receiving mail in an email client. It only lets you download your Inbox on your computer, and not any other folders. When an email is downloaded using POP, it is usually then deleted from Fastmail.

What happens if I change from POP3 to IMAP?

Switching from a POP3 connection to IMAP can result in your existing email being deleted, so you should create a backup of your mailboxes to avoid losing anything important.