IMAP vs POP3: Which to Use?

Quick Answer

Use IMAP: better for modern email.

IMAP (Recommended)

How it works: Email stays on server, syncs across devices

Pros:

• ✅ Access from multiple devices
• ✅ Email syncs everywhere
• ✅ Folders sync
• ✅ Doesn't use local storage

Best for: Most users, multiple devices

POP3 (Legacy)

How it works: Downloads to device, optionally deletes from server

Pros:

• ✅ Works offline
• ✅ Email stored locally

Cons:

• ❌ Only one device has emails
• ❌ No sync between devices

Best for: Single device, offline access

Our Recommendation

Use IMAP unless you have specific reason for POP3.

Get Settings: open the Dashboard and find the Connect your mail client card. It lists the server settings:

• IMAP: mail.atriomail.com, port 993, SSL/TLS
• POP3: mail.atriomail.com, port 995, SSL/TLS
• SMTP: mail.atriomail.com, port 587, STARTTLS

Use your full email address as the username.