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Everything You Need to Know About POP

The POP internet standard helps you receive your email

By Heinz Tschabitscher Heinz Tschabitscher Writer University of Vienna A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 25, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Email Yahoo! Mail Gmail Post Office Protocol (POP) is an internet standard that makes it possible to download email messages from an email server to a computer. POP has been updated twice since its origin in 1984 as POP1. Post Office Protocol Version 2 (POP2) was published in 1985. Post Office Protocol Version 3 (POP3) was published in 1988 and included new authentication mechanisms and other actions. MirageC/Getty Images

How POP Works

Incoming email messages are stored at a POP server until you log in (with an email client) and downloads the messages to your computer. The POP standard doesn't include the means to send messages. Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is used to send emails.

How POP Compares to IMAP

POP and Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) are similar in that both are used for email retrieval. However, POP is older and defines only simple commands for email retrieval. IMAP enables synchronization between devices and online access. With POP, messages are stored and managed locally on one computer or device. Therefore, POP is more straightforward to implement and typically more reliable and stable.

Disadvantages of POP

POP is a limited protocol that allows an email program to only download messages to a computer or device, with an option to keep a copy on the server for future download. While POP lets email programs track retrieved messages, sometimes this process fails, and messages might download again. Also, with POP, it's impossible to access the same email account from multiple computers or devices and have actions synchronize between them. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Use AOL Mail Through an Email Client USB (Universal Serial Bus): Everything You Need to Know Everything You Need to Know About IMAP 5G: Everything You Need to Know What Are the SMTP Settings for Yahoo Mail? Outlook.com SMTP Settings Necessary to Send Email Guide to Yahoo Mail IMAP Settings What Is an Email Client? Email Glossary: 36 Terms Every Email User Needs to Know Here Are the IMAP Settings You Need to Set Up Gmail What You Need to Know About Mailer Daemon Spam POP (Post Office Protocol) Basics in Email Private IP Addresses: Everything You Need to Know Everything You Need to Know About Email Addresses How to Access Your AIM Mail Account via POP or IMAP How to Search Everything (Including the Trash) in Gmail Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies