This guide explains how to change a IMAP email account to POP3 using your Domains.co.za email settings. Email accounts can be configured using either IMAP or POP3, depending on how you prefer your messages to be stored and accessed.
IMAP keeps your emails stored on the mail server and synchronised across multiple devices, while POP3 downloads emails to a single device and usually removes them from the server.
If you prefer local email storage, wish to reduce server mailbox usage, or primarily access your email from one device, switching from IMAP to POP3 may be the better option.
IMPORTANT:
Email applications do not allow an IMAP account to be converted directly to POP3. To make this change, you must remove the IMAP account from your email application and re-add it as a POP3 account.
Before proceeding, ensure that you:
- Back up any important emails stored on the server.
- Confirm your email password is correct.
- Have access to your POP3 and SMTP server settings.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Retrieve Your POP3 Email Settings
1. Login to your Domains.co.za account.
2. From the dashboard, open the Manage Services menu and select the hosting service linked to your domain.
3. Click Manage next to the domain, then select Login to cPanel.
4. In cPanel, go to Email and click Email Accounts.
5. Locate the email address and click Connect Devices.
Make a note of the following details:
- Incoming mail server (POP3).
- POP3 port numbers (SSL and non-SSL).
- Outgoing mail server (SMTP).
- SMTP port.
- Username (full email address).
- Encryption type (SSL/TLS),
You will need these settings when re-adding the account.
Remove the Existing IMAP Account from Your Email Application
On the device or email application where the account is currently set up:
- Open the email application’s Settings.
- Select the email account configured as IMAP.
- Choose Remove, Delete, or Sign Out, depending on the application.
- Confirm the removal.
NOTE:
Removing the account from your device does not delete the email account or mailbox from the server.
Re-Add the Email Account Using POP3
- Open your email application and select Add Account.
- Enter your email address and password.
- When prompted to choose an account type, select POP3.
- Enter the POP3 and SMTP server settings noted earlier.
- Complete the setup process.
Once configured:
- Send a test email to an external address.
- Receive a test email to confirm incoming mail works correctly.
Your email account is now configured using POP3.
Additional Information
Key Differences Between IMAP & POP3
- IMAP
- Emails remain on the server.
- Messages sync across multiple devices.
- Recommended for users who access email from more than one device.
- POP3
- Emails are downloaded to a single device.
- Messages may be removed from the server.
- Best suited for single-device access and local storage.
POP3 Configuration Considerations
- POP3 typically downloads emails only once.
- Changes such as read or deleted messages do not sync across devices.
- Some email clients allow you to leave a copy of messages on the server.
- If POP3 is used on multiple devices, emails may not appear on all devices.
Best Practices When Switching to POP3
- Always back up important emails before removing an IMAP account.
- Use POP3 on one primary device to avoid missing messages.
- Enable SSL/TLS encryption for secure email communication.
- Regularly back up your local mail files.
- Keep your email password secure and updated.
- Review your email client’s setting for “leave messages on server” if needed.
Common Issues After Switching to POP3
- Emails no longer appear on webmail or other devices.
- Messages are downloaded but not synchronised.
- Mailbox appears empty after setting up if emails were previously downloaded.
Login to Domains.co.za Account
1. Go to the Domains.co.za website Account Login page.
2. Enter your Email and Password and click the Sign In button.
3. You will see the Domains.co.za Dashboard, displaying the Manage Account menu on the left and your Account Information, Account Overview and Open Support Tickets on the right.
