Quick Summary
POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3) downloads emails from the server and stores them locally on your device.
POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3) is one of the oldest and most widely used email retrieval protocols. Defined in 1988, POP3 remains in widespread use due to its simplicity.
How POP3 Works
The POP3 client connects to the server, downloads emails, and usually deletes them from the server. Emails are stored locally on the device.
POP3 Features
Simple structure: Easy to set up and use.
Offline access: Downloaded emails can be read without internet.
Single device: Emails are typically downloaded to one device.
POP3 Port Numbers
110: Standard POP3 port.
995: SSL/TLS encrypted POP3 (POP3S).
POP3 vs IMAP
If you use multiple devices, IMAP is more suitable. If offline access on a single device is a priority, POP3 may be preferred.