When configuring your email on your computer, you will get a choice of whether to use IMAP or POP... but which should you use?
Both IMAP and POP will allow you to access your email, but they do it in different ways.
POP
- Downloads email messages from the email server to a single device, usually your local computer
- Does not store a copy of your email messages on the email server, unless specifically configured to do so.
- Does not synchronize changes made to your email across multiple devices.
IMAP
- Keeps email messages and folders stored on the email server, allowing you to access and manage your email from multiple devices.
- Synchronizes changes made to your email (e.g., deleting, moving, or marking as read) across all devices.
- Allows you to view and manage your email folders and messages as they appear on the email server.
In short, if you are using multiple devices it is best to use IMAP.
If you only have one device checking mail, or you struggle with space in your mailbox on the mail server, it may be best to use POP.