Quick Answer: Use IMAP (Here's Why)
IMAP, unless you have a specific reason otherwise. IMAP keeps the master copy of every message on the server; every device — phone, Outlook, webmail — views that same copy. Read an email on your phone and it shows read everywhere; file it into a folder and the folder exists everywhere.
POP3 transfers messages to one device's local storage, and its default download-and-delete behaviour removes them from the server. Other devices never see them. If your mail has ever 'disappeared' from your other devices, a POP3 account doing exactly what it was configured to do is the usual culprit. Business email plans on WebJi® support both, but teams should standardise on IMAP.
How POP3 Works (Download Model)
How this plays out with POP3 (port 995): settings that look cosmetic usually decide page speed and uptime under real traffic. The defaults WebJi® ships are tuned for Indian network conditions, and support can review your setup on request.
How IMAP Works (Sync Model)
On IMAP (port 993), the honest summary is that defaults matter more than brand names — a well-set budget plan outranks a mis-tuned premium one. WebJi® documents its defaults openly and adjusts them per ticket when workloads need it.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
The differences at a glance:
| Dimension | POP3 | IMAP |
|---|---|---|
| Master copy | One device's local storage | Server |
| Multi-device sync | None | Full — folders, flags, read state |
| Folders | Client-only | Server-side, shared |
| Sent mail | On sending device only | Server, visible everywhere |
| Server quota use | Low (downloads then deletes) | Higher — mail lives centrally |
| Ports | 110 plain / 995 SSL | 143 plain / 993 SSL |
| Best for | Offline archives, legacy single-device | Phones + laptop + webmail life |
Either way, sending runs over SMTP — port 465 SSL or 587 STARTTLS. Our SMTP explainer covers the sending side in detail.
Ports and SSL Settings
How this plays out with server-side storage and quota: settings that look cosmetic usually decide page speed and uptime under real traffic. The defaults WebJi® ships are tuned for Indian network conditions, and support can review your setup on request.
When POP3 Still Makes Sense
How this plays out with download-and-delete behavior: settings that look cosmetic usually decide page speed and uptime under real traffic. The defaults WebJi® ships are tuned for Indian network conditions, and support can review your setup on request.
Setting Up Either in Outlook and Phones
Five minutes per device:
- Outlook: Add Account, enter name, email and password. If autodiscover misses, pick IMAP manually — incoming mail.yourdomain.com:993 SSL, outgoing smtp.yourdomain.com:465 SSL.
- Android: Gmail or Samsung Mail, choose 'Other provider', then IMAP with the same server details.
- iPhone: Settings, Mail, Accounts, Other, IMAP. iOS defaults to IMAP — resist any POP3 fallback it offers.
- Username is always the full email address; the password comes from cPanel.
- Converting an old POP3 account: add the same mailbox as IMAP, let it sync, drag local folders across once, then remove the POP3 account.
That last step retires 'where did that email go?' permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should I use, POP3 or IMAP?
POP3 transfers messages to one device's local storage, and its default download-and-delete behaviour removes them from the server. Other devices never see them. If your mail has ever 'disappeared' from your other devices, a POP3 account doing exactly what it was configured to do is the usual culprit.
What is the difference between POP3 and IMAP?
POP3 transfers messages to one device's local storage, and its default download-and-delete behaviour removes them from the server. Other devices never see them. If your mail has ever 'disappeared' from your other devices, a POP3 account doing exactly what it was configured to do is the usual culprit. The question here is: What is the difference between POP3 and IMAP.
Does POP3 delete mail from the server?
For “Does POP3 delete mail from the server”: POP3 transfers messages to one device's local storage, and its default download-and-delete behaviour removes them from the server. Other devices never see them. If your mail has ever 'disappeared' from your other devices, a POP3 account doing exactly what it was configured to do is the usual culprit.
Will IMAP sync mail on my phone and laptop?
The phone number is +91 141 4941811. Call it in business hours. It is not staffed as a 24/7 helpline, and a 2 a.m. server problem will not be picked up there. For round-the-clock help, email support@webji.services or open a ticket at https://billing.webji.in/submitticket.php?step=2&deptid=10. Email is answered in Hindi and English, usually within 60 minutes.
Which ports do POP3 and IMAP use?
POP3 transfers messages to one device's local storage, and its default download-and-delete behaviour removes them from the server. Other devices never see them. If your mail has ever 'disappeared' from your other devices, a POP3 account doing exactly what it was configured to do is the usual culprit. The question here is: Which ports do POP3 and IMAP use.
Which protocol saves server space?
POP3 vs IMAP: Which to Use. Email support@webji.services is 24/7 in Hindi and English, average first reply under 60 minutes. Phone +91 141 4941811 is business hours. If the question is about your own account, open a ticket at https://billing.webji.in/submitticket.php?step=2&deptid=10.
Is WebJi® an Indian company?
Yes. WebJi® is headquartered in Jaipur, Rajasthan and has operated since 2005. Billing, support and governance all run from India.
Do you provide GST invoices?
Every purchase and renewal gets a GST invoice with our GSTIN, and hosting prices are quoted exclusive of 18% GST. Claim input credit as applicable.