POP3 stands for Post Office Protocol version 3. It is one of two main protocols your email client uses to retrieve email from the server. The other is IMAP. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right setup for how you use email.
POP3 downloads and removes, IMAP syncs and keeps
POP3 downloads messages to your device and (by default) deletes them from the server. Good if you only check email from one device and want to save server disk space.
IMAP keeps messages on the server and syncs them across all your devices. Good if you check email from your phone, laptop, and desktop. We recommend IMAP for most users.
01. POP3 Settings for Ultra Web Hosting
- Incoming server:
mail.yourdomain.com - Port: 995 (SSL/TLS) or 110 (STARTTLS or no encryption)
- Encryption: SSL/TLS recommended
- Username: Your full email address
- Password: Your email password (set in cPanel)
02. Which Should You Use?
For a detailed comparison with pros and cons, see POP3 vs IMAP - Choosing the Right Email Protocol.
For setup guides on specific email clients, see:
Need Help Setting Up Email?
Our support team can walk you through setting up POP3 or IMAP on any email client.
Open a Support TicketFrequently Asked Questions
What does POP3 stand for?
POP3 stands for Post Office Protocol version 3. It is one of the two main protocols an email client uses to retrieve mail from the server; the other is IMAP. POP3 downloads messages to one device, while IMAP keeps them synced on the server.
What are the POP3 settings for UWH?
Use your mail server hostname with SSL enabled, POP3 on port 995, and SMTP on 465 or 587 for sending. Your username is your full email address. The exact server name is in cPanel under Email Accounts, Connect Devices.
Should I use POP3 or IMAP?
Use IMAP for most situations, since it syncs mail and folders across all your devices. Use POP3 only if you want messages downloaded to a single device and removed from the server, for example to stay under a small mailbox quota.
Does POP3 delete mail from the server?
By default POP3 downloads and removes messages from the server, though most clients have a leave a copy on server option. This is why mail read on one POP3 device may not show on another. IMAP avoids this by keeping everything on the server.
Quick Recap
- POP3 = Post Office Protocol version 3
- Downloads email to your device, optionally deletes from server
- Best for single-device use and saving server disk space
- IMAP is better for multi-device - keeps everything synced
- Use port 995 with SSL for secure POP3 connections
Understanding email protocols · Last updated November 2026 · Browse all Email articles
