What Is My Email Server: Understanding IMAP, SMTP, and POP

Setting up email hosting can seem confusing at first, especially when you’re prompted to enter incoming and outgoing server details, port numbers, and choose between IMAP, SMTP, or POP3.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What IMAP, SMTP, and POP actually do
• Which protocol is best for your needs
• How to find your email server settings
• How to connect your mail app securely

 What Is an Email Server?

An email server is the backend system responsible for sending, receiving, and storing your email messages. Every time you send or receive an email, you interact with two types of servers:

• Outgoing mail server (SMTP)
• Incoming mail server (IMAP or POP3)

Your email app (like Outlook, Apple Mail, or Thunderbird) needs the correct settings to connect to these servers.

 SMTP – Sending Mail

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) handles outgoing messages. It pushes your email from the client to the server, and from there to the recipient’s server.

• Default ports: 587 (TLS), 465 (SSL)
• Example server: smtp.yourdomain.com or mail.ava.hosting
• Requires authentication:  Yes

You can’t receive mail through SMTP — it’s send-only.

 IMAP – Receiving Mail on Multiple Devices

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) allows you to read emails stored on the server from multiple devices.

• Messages stay on the server (cloud-based)
• Changes sync across devices in real time
• Ports: 993 (SSL), 143 (non-SSL)
• Server: imap.yourdomain.com or mail.ava.hosting

IMAP is the best choice for:

• Teams and businesses
• Mobile access
• Shared inboxes

POP3 – Download & Store Emails Locally

POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3) downloads emails to your device and optionally removes them from the server.

• One-device setup
• Ideal for local archiving
• Ports: 995 (SSL), 110 (non-SSL)
• Server: pop.yourdomain.com or mail.ava.hosting

Use POP3 if:

• You want to keep emails only on your computer
• You have limited server space
• You don’t need mobile syncing

 How to Find Your Email Server Settings

In cPanel or DirectAdmin:

• Log in to your control panel
• Go to Email Accounts
• Click Connect Devices or Email Configuration
• You’ll see full IMAP, POP3, and SMTP details — including:
  • Server hostnames
  • SSL/non-SSL ports
  • Authentication options

 IMAP vs POP3 – Quick Comparison

Summary

To connect your email app properly, you need two things:

• SMTP for sending mail
• IMAP or POP3 for receiving mail

Most users should choose IMAP + SMTP for secure, multi-device access.