When setting up email on a client, you must choose between IMAP and POP3. The right choice depends on whether you use one device or several.
How They Differ
- IMAP keeps your mail on the server and syncs it to every device. Read, deleted, and filed messages stay consistent everywhere.
- POP3 downloads mail to one device and (by default) removes it from the server. Other devices will not see those messages.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | IMAP | POP3 | | ------------------ | --------------- | ----------------- | | Storage location | On the server | On your device | | Multi-device sync | Yes | No | | Saves server space | No | Yes | | Recommended port | 993 (SSL) | 995 (SSL) |
Which to Choose
- Choose IMAP if you check email on a phone, laptop, and webmail. This is the right choice for almost everyone.
- Choose POP3 only if you want all mail stored locally on a single computer and need to keep the server mailbox empty.
A Note on Quotas
Because IMAP keeps everything on the server, your mailbox quota fills over time. Periodically archive or delete old messages, or increase your quota in cPanel if needed.
If you are unsure which fits your workflow, contact us on WhatsApp at +254 796 358081 and we will advise.