Email Not Syncing Across Devices – POP3 vs IMAP Configuration
Why Email Looks Different on Each Device
POP3 downloads mail to a device and may remove the server copy. IMAP keeps server-stored messages and folders in sync across devices.
If emails appear on one device but not another, follow these checks before changing your account settings.
1
CHECK THE SERVER
Open Webmail
- Sign in to Webmail.
- Check which messages are still stored on the server.
2
CHECK YOUR DEVICES
Find the account type
- Open the account settings in each email app.
- Look for POP3 or IMAP.
3
PROTECT YOUR EMAIL
Back up local messages
- Export messages stored only on your computer.
- Verify the backup before removing or changing an account.
4
SET UP IMAP
Add the account
- Use your full email address and mailbox password.
- Copy the secure IMAP settings from cPanel or support.
5
TEST THE SYNC
Check both devices
- Send a test message and check Webmail and your apps.
- Confirm that new messages and folders sync.
6
KEEP OLD MESSAGES
Review before removing POP3
- Check that you can access all messages you need.
- Old local mail may need importing. Ask support before deleting the old account.
Back Up Before Removing an Account
IMAP does not automatically restore messages removed from the server. Deleting mail through IMAP can also delete it on your other devices. Keep a verified backup before removing an account.
POP3 vs IMAP
The account type affects how messages are stored.
POP3
- Downloads messages to a device.
- May remove server copies, depending on settings.
IMAP
- Syncs server-stored messages and folders.
- Deletions can also sync across devices.
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