When you add an email account in cPanel, you can choose between two protocols to manage your email: IMAP (remote folders) and POP3 (keep emails on your computer). These are different methods (also called protocols) for accessing your email.
IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)
With IMAP, messages and folders are stored on the server. Any changes made from the email client are reflected on the server, and vice versa. This is ideal if you need to access your email from multiple devices.
POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3)
With POP3, new messages are downloaded from the server and stored on your computer. The client usually deletes them from the server immediately, unless configured otherwise in the settings.
Which one should you choose? Here are some tips
- Do you want to access your email from more than one device? Choose IMAP.
- Do you plan to use webmail frequently? Choose IMAP.
- Does your provider support IMAP or POP3? Most support both, but always check first.
- What is your mailbox size limit? If you expect to store more than 15 GB of mail, POP3 might be better.
- Do you use a high-latency or expensive internet connection (e.g., satellite), or have limited access? POP3 could be more suitable.
