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POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3) is one of two ways to receive email from a mail server. The other is IMAP. The key difference: POP3 downloads email to your device and typically removes it from the server, while IMAP keeps email on the server and syncs across all your devices. For most people in 2026, IMAP is the better choice. This guide explains both so you can pick the right one.
Use IMAP Unless You Have a Specific Reason for POP3
IMAP keeps your email synced across your phone, computer, tablet, and Webmail. It's the standard for modern email usage.
- ✓ IMAP: email stays on server, syncs everywhere, folders sync too
- ✓ POP3: downloads to one device, may delete from server, no folder sync
01. POP3 vs IMAP at a Glance
POP3
- Downloads email to one device
- Can delete messages from server after download
- No folder synchronization
- Sent mail only on the device you sent from
- Works offline after download
- Uses less server disk space (if deleting from server)
IMAP
- Syncs email across all devices
- Messages stay on server
- Folders (Sent, Drafts, Trash) sync everywhere
- Read/unread status syncs too
- Webmail always shows current state
- Uses more server disk space
02. When to Use POP3
POP3 makes sense in a few specific situations:
- You only check email on one device - and don't need access from Webmail or your phone
- You're running low on hosting disk space - POP3 with "delete from server after download" keeps your mailbox small on the server
- You want a local archive - POP3 downloads everything to your computer, giving you a full offline copy
- Very slow internet - POP3 downloads once; IMAP re-syncs headers each time you open your client
If you use POP3 with the default "delete from server" setting, emails you download to your computer will disappear from Webmail and other devices. If your computer crashes, those emails are gone. If you use POP3, enable "Leave a copy on the server" in your email client's settings.
03. When to Use IMAP (Most People)
IMAP is the right choice if:
- You check email on more than one device (phone + computer, for example)
- You use Webmail as a backup or when you're away from your computer
- You want Sent, Drafts, and Trash folders to stay consistent everywhere
- Multiple people access the same mailbox
If you're currently using POP3 and experiencing issues like sent emails not showing up or messages disappearing from Webmail, switching to IMAP will fix both problems.
04. Connection Settings for Both
IMAP Settings
Incoming Server: yourserver.ultrawebhosting.com
Port: 993
Security: SSL/TLSPOP3 Settings
Incoming Server: yourserver.ultrawebhosting.com
Port: 995
Security: SSL/TLSOutgoing (SMTP) - Same for Both
Outgoing Server: yourserver.ultrawebhosting.com
Port: 465
Security: SSL/TLS
Authentication: RequiredFor step-by-step setup, see our guides for Outlook, iPhone/iPad, Android, or our full Email Troubleshooting Guide. For all port numbers see our port reference.
Need Help Choosing or Switching?
If you're not sure whether to use POP3 or IMAP, or need help switching from POP3 to IMAP without losing messages, open a ticket.
Open a Support TicketQuick Recap
- IMAP is recommended - syncs across all devices, the modern standard
- POP3 downloads to one device - no sync, messages may be removed from server
- IMAP port 993, POP3 port 995 - both with SSL/TLS
- Using POP3? Enable "leave on server" - prevents messages from disappearing from Webmail
- Missing sent emails? - switch from POP3 to IMAP to fix folder sync
Last updated March 2026 · Browse all Email articles
