What Is a POP3 Port?
When you use a client to access your email account, chances are, you’ll have to set up the SMTP and POP3 port. Without doing so, you run the risk of not sending or receiving emails properly.
But with all these terms floating around, it can be difficult to wrap your head around them. In this article, we break down what a POP3 port is and what alternative is available.
What is POP3?
The acronym POP stands for “Post Office Protocol.” This is the protocol opposite to SMTP, or Simple Message Transfer Protocol. While SMTP relay service deal with outgoing emails, POP servers deal with incoming emails. When combined, SMTP and POP3 facilitate the movement of emails in and out of inboxes.
We currently use POP3, which is the most recent version; it’s been in use ever since 1996. No matter which email client you use, the POP3 port will always be 110. You can also use POP3 port 995 for better security.
MORE: SMTP Relay Software
The alternative
POP3 isn’t the only protocol you can use for receiving emails. The other popularly used protocol is IMAP, or Internet Message Access Protocol. Since both are commonly utilized and supported across all clients, you may wonder what the difference is.
With POP3, you can only use one app to access your email account. However, with IMAP, you can use multiple clients. So when choosing an incoming mail protocol, keep this point in mind. And, as always, make sure you have adequate email protection to ensure no malware gets into your network.
MORE: What is SMTP Relay Service Google
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