IMAP vs POP3 vs SMTP (Email Basics)

> Email confuses beginners because reading and sending use different protocols. This page makes it simple.

1) The one-sentence summary

• **IMAP** = read/sync mail from the server (recommended).
• **POP3** = download mail to a device (less common today).
• **SMTP** = send mail out.

2) IMAP (recommended for most people)

• Keeps mail on the server and syncs folders across devices.
• Typical ports: **993 (IMAPS)** or **143**.

3) POP3 (legacy pattern)

• Downloads messages to one device; may remove them from the server.
• Typical ports: **995 (POP3S)** or **110**.

4) SMTP (sending)

• Used when you press “Send”.
• Use **587** for authenticated sending (recommended).
• Some providers use **465** (encrypted submission).

5) Common beginner mistakes

• Using port 25 for email apps (25 is mainly server-to-server inbound delivery).
• Wrong “outgoing server” settings (SMTP auth required).
• Mixing the provider’s inbound settings with another provider’s outbound settings.

6) Quick setup checklist

• Username is usually the full email address (e.g., `name@yourdomain.com`).
• Use encrypted ports (993 IMAP, 587 SMTP) when available.
• If sending fails, check provider restrictions and firewall/ISP blocks.

What to learn next

• Email Basics (How Email Works)
• Creating Email Accounts (Plesk)
• Ports & Protocols Cheat Sheet