E-mail Internet Protocols govern how emails are transmitted among clients, servers, and devices. Each type of e-mail internet protocol has its advantages and disadvantages. Today, we will focus on ho to convert your Outlook account from IMAP to POP.
What is IMAP?
Internet Message Access Protocol or IMAP for short is a protocol that stores all messages and related data on a server and allows users to log in and access their mail using multiple devices.
Using IMAP, no data is locally stored in your device so an internet connection is vital to access your Outlook data.
What is POP3?
Post Office Protocol or POP3 for short is an email protocol that downloads all mail and related data into the user’s local device after which the same data is deleted from the server making sure that the only copy of your mail is stored locally on your device.
By using POP3 all your data is locally stored on your device allowing you to access messages offline.
IMAP Vs POP
| IMAP | POP |
| Data is stored in the server which can be accessed using multiple devices. | Data is stored in local storage and can only be accessed using 1 device. |
| You need the internet to access your data. | You can access your data offline. |
| All your emails and other Outlook items can be organized across all devices. | You can only access your mail from one device. |
| Stores all data on the server freeing up space on your device. | Stores all your data on your local device improving security. |
How to Switch From IMAP to POP3
Changing your email protocol is important and every precaution is necessary. we have divided the answer into 2 halves, the first one explains how to create a backup while the second gives steps on how to convert your Outlook account from IMAP to POP.
Part 1: Export PST File
Before proceeding, creating a backup is important. you can export your Outlook data by following the steps below-
1. Open Outlook.
2. Click on File.
3. Under the Open & Export tab, click on Import/Export.
4. Select export to a file option and click on Next.
5. Select the Outlook Data File (.pst) option and click on Next.
6. Select all the Outlook Items that you wish to export and click on Next.
7. Select a save location and click on Finish.
If you are looking for a convenient way to transfer Outlook data from an IMAP account to a POP one, feel free to use a professional Outlook migration tool such as Rikvr Transfer For Outlook.
Part 2: Switching From IMAP to POP
1. Open Outlook.
2. Click on File.
3. Under the Info tab, click on Account Settings and select the Account Settings option.
4. Click on New.
5. Enter your email address, select the Manual setup option, and click on Next.
6. Choose POP and click on Next.
7. Enter or adjust User/server information as per your requirement and click on Next.
8. Set a password and click on Next.
9. Delete the old IMAP account.
To Conclude
I hope that you were easily able to convert your email protocol from IMAP to POP3 using this article. Before making big changes, it is important to weigh the pros and cons and create a backup file in case things go sideways. If you have any feedback or related queries, please reach out.
