Difference between IMAP and POP3

When you configure your email account in a mail client, you must choose the type of protocol that you will use. Currently the two protocols that allow you to choose the managers are IMAP and POP3.

The main difference between these two protocols is that IMAP stores the messages on the mail server while POP3 downloads and stores them locally.

1.-IMAP

This protocol works directly on the mail server. To check the mail, it connects with the server and shows the content there is. When they send an email, it is stored on the server and is accessible from any other device that consults the email.

Current managers have options so that emails are also saved locally using this protocol.

Advantage:

  • Mail is accessible from any device with Internet access.
  • By working directly with the mail server, any changes are visible from all devices that access the account.
  • If the device from which you connect to the account has a fault, the emails are not lost as they are stored directly on the server.

 Disadvantages:

  • By storing mail on the server it is easier to fill the mailbox capacity.
  • If IMAP folders are created, they are not accessible from POP3 settings.

 

2.-POP3

A mail client configured as POP3 connects to the server and downloads the mails to the local device. Once done, it deletes the messages downloaded from the server, being only available locally. With this protocol the messages sent are only available locally.

The current managers allow the option of keeping a copy of the downloaded messages on the server, or marking that only those of a certain age are deleted.

Advantage:

  • To be able to keep a history of the mail locally without the need for an Internet connection.
  • The space on the mail server is not filled because once the mail is downloaded it is deleted from the server.

Disadvantages:

  • Sent emails are only accessible locally.
  • Unable to view mail from different devices.
  • Consume local space.
  • If the device malfunctions, the mail can get lost and is not accessible.

 

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