IMAP or POP3: which is better?

The short answer

In most cases, use IMAP.

IMAP keeps mail on the server and synchronises the mailbox between webmail, phone, computer and tablet. If you read a message on one device, the others see the same state.

What IMAP does

IMAP works with the mailbox stored on the server. This makes it possible to:

• read the same mail from several devices;
• see shared folders;
• keep messages on the server;
• change computer or phone with less risk of losing mail;
• use webmail and a mail program at the same time.

It is the recommended setup for most users.

What POP3 does

POP3 is older. It usually downloads messages to the device. Depending on settings, it may keep a copy on the server or remove messages after download.

It can work if you want to archive everything on one computer, but it is easier to end up with messages split between devices or removed from the server.

When to use POP3

POP3 is only recommended in specific cases:

• one computer reads that mailbox;
• you want to download and archive locally;
• you understand what happens to server copies;
• PRIMARI.NET has suggested it for a specific need.

If unsure, choose IMAP.

How to configure PRIMARI email

For PRIMARI.NET accounts, the usual configuration is:

• incoming account: IMAP;
• incoming server: imap.primari.net;
• outgoing server: smtp.primari.net;
• encryption: STARTTLS;
• authentication: normal password;
• username with % instead of @.

For example:

Address: name@example.com
Username: name%example.com

When to contact PRIMARI.NET

Contact PRIMARI.NET before moving from POP3 to IMAP if you already have a lot of old mail on one computer. We can help avoid duplicates or lost messages.