POP3 and IMAP are protocols for handling emails in mail programs. POP3 allows downloading and deleting emails from the server, while IMAP enables reading, storing, and organizing messages directly on the server, which is ideal for access from multiple devices. The choice of protocol is made after setting up the email address in the Plesk Admin Tool. Instructions for identifying which protocol is used in various mail programs such as Outlook, Apple Mail, iPhone, Android, and Thunderbird are provided.
POP3 and IMAP are two different protocols to manage emails through a mail program. After you set up the email address in the Plesk Admin Tool, you can select which protocol you want to use in your mail program.
POP3
The POP3 protocol is a standard protocol on the internet. It allows you to download your emails from our server and then delete them, or leave them there for a certain period. POP3 access is fast and straightforward but not as flexible as IMAP.
IMAP
The IMAP protocol enables you to read, store, and organize messages directly on the server. This makes you independent of your location or mail program. IMAP is used when multiple systems access the same email account.
Below you can see how to find out whether you are using POP3 or IMAP:
Outlook
Apple Mail
iPhone
Android
Thunderbird
Outlook
1. Go to File – Account Settings.
2. Under Type, it will now show whether POP3 or IMAP is being used:
Apple Mail
1. Open Mail and go to Preferences, then select Accounts.
2. Under Account, it will show whether POP3 or IMAP is being used:
iPhone
1. Open Settings, go to Accounts, and select the account.
2. Under Account, it will now show whether POP3 or IMAP is being used:
Android
- Open Settings and go to the account overview.
- Android groups different account types; if your account appears under Personal (IMAP), it is an IMAP account. If it appears under Personal (POP3), it is a POP3 account.
Thunderbird
1. Go to Tools – Account Settings and select the account.
2. Go to Server Settings, and under Server Type, it will show whether POP3 or IMAP is being used: