When setting up email on a device or desktop application, you'll be asked to choose between IMAP and POP3. Both retrieve email from the server, but they work differently.
IMAP (Recommended)
IMAP keeps your email on the server and syncs across all your devices. When you read, delete, or reply to a message on one device, that action is reflected everywhere.
Best for:
- Checking email on multiple devices (phone, laptop, tablet)
- Keeping a backup of your email on the server
- Most users
POP3
POP3 downloads email to your device and typically removes it from the server. Messages you read or delete on one device won't show those changes on another device.
Best for:
- Checking email on only one device
- Keeping email stored locally rather than on the server
- Situations with very limited server storage
Our Recommendation
Use IMAP unless you have a specific reason not to. It provides a better experience when accessing email from multiple devices and ensures your messages are backed up on the server.
SMTP
You may also see SMTP mentioned during setup. SMTP is used for sending outgoing mail, while IMAP and POP3 are used for receiving incoming mail. You'll need both configured for full email functionality.
