POP3 stands for Post Office Protocol version 3. It lets you retrieve email from a central mail server to your computer or phone. With POP3 accounts, you can create mailboxes on a server using your own domain name. If you own a domain, you can send and receive email from a professional address that matches your website.
POP3 works by allowing an email client like Outlook, Thunderbird, or Apple Mail to connect to the server and download messages. Once downloaded, emails are stored locally so you can read them offline. POP3 is for receiving mail. Sending is handled by SMTP.
This setup is useful if you do not have a constant internet connection. The POP3 server holds your messages until you log in and collect them. To use POP3 with your domain, your domain should be hosted and have working nameservers.
POP2 vs POP3
POP2 was standardized in the mid-1980s and required SMTP for sending. POP3 is the current and more flexible version. It is the one you will use today with modern email clients.
POP3 vs IMAP
Both POP3 and IMAP are for receiving email, but they manage messages differently:
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POP3 downloads emails and often removes them from the server after retrieval.
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IMAP keeps emails on the server and syncs across multiple devices.
What they share:
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They only handle receiving. SMTP sends email.
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They are open protocols defined by Internet RFCs.
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They work across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
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They are widely supported by clients and hosting providers.
Why POP3 Still Matters
POP3 is a good fit if you prefer storing mail locally, want offline access, or have limited server space. IMAP is great when you need the same mailbox synced on many devices.
Conclusion
POP3 remains a simple and reliable way to manage email on your own domain. If you want domain email that supports POP3 and IMAP with easy setup and solid performance, visit DediRock.com.