Glossary

POP server

POP server

A POP (Post Office Protocol) server allows email clients to retrieve messages from an email server so users can read them locally. POP3, the current version, downloads messages from the server and stores them on the recipient’s device, often deleting the server copy by default.  

Unlike IMAP, which syncs email across multiple devices and leaves messages on the server, POP is a single-device, one-directional protocol. That means if you check email using POP on one device, you likely won’t see that same email on another device later.  

While POP was once common, it’s largely outdated in modern environments where users expect to access their email across multiple platforms. Most senders and recipients now use IMAP or webmail for flexibility and better synchronization. 

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