How to change an account from POP to IMAP on Android

POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3) and IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) are the two main protocols used by applications to send and receive email. HostPapa’s email services support both types of connection. You can find out the differences between the two and which is best for your needs in this knowledge base article: What are the differences between POP3 and IMAP?

Should you decide to change your Android email account from using a POP3 connection to an IMAP connection, you can do so in a few simple steps.

1. Back up your mailboxes

Switching from a POP3 connection to IMAP can result in your existing email being deleted, so you should create a backup of your mailboxes to avoid losing anything important. We advise that you back up your email on a Windows PC or Mac, using the instructions in the most relevant knowledge base article for your setup:

2. Delete your POP account from your computer

With the backup completed, you can now delete the POP account on Android. You should also delete the account on other devices you use for email.

Open the Android Settings menu and tap Accounts.

Android Settings

In the Accounts menu, tap Personal (POP3).

Personal (POP3) Menu

Now tap your email address.

POP3 Mail Settings

In the Sync menu that opens, tap the three dots at the top right of the screen.

Account Sync Settings

In the menu that opens, tap Remove account.

Remove Account

You’ll be asked to confirm your selection. Tap Remove account to proceed.

Confirm Account Deletion

3. Set up your IMAP account on your device

You can add your IMAP email account on your device using your email server details. You can find your server settings in your HostPapa Dashboard by heading to My cPanel > Email Accounts and selecting Set Up Email Client.

On your Android device, head to the Settings menu once again and tap Accounts. At the bottom of the Accounts menu, tap + Add account.

Add Account

In the list of account types, tap Personal (IMAP).

Account Type

In the following screen, enter your email address and tap Next.

Enter Email

Now enter your email account password and tap Next once again.

Account Authentication

Android will attempt to retrieve your Incoming server settings automatically. Confirm your Username, Password and Server name, then tap Next.

Incoming Server Settings

Now do the same for your Outgoing server settings.

Outgoing Server Settings

Confirm your Account options and tap Next.

Account Options

Finally, edit your Account name and the name you’d like to appear on your emails, if required, and tap Next.

Your IMAP email account will now be added to your device.

4. Edit your IMAP account settings

Should you need to edit your server details manually, you can do so from the Account settings menu. Open the Android Settings menu and tap Accounts. Now tap Personal (IMAP).

Account Type

Now tap Account settings.

Account Settings

Tap your email address.

Select Email Account

Now scroll down to Incoming settings.

Account Options

In the panel that pops up, use the following details:

  1. Username: Your email account username.
  2. Password: Your email server password.
  3. Server: For HostPapa Basic and Advanced IMAP accounts, use papamail.net. For domain hosted services, check your email server details in cPanel.
  4. Port: Ensure the default port is set to 993 for IMAP accounts.
  5. Security type: Use the dropdown arrow to select SSL/TLS. 

Incoming Settings

Tap Done to proceed. Now scroll down and select Outgoing settings.

 Account Options

In the panel that pops up, use the following details:

  1. Username: Your email account username.
  2. Password: Your email server password.
  3. SMTP server: For HostPapa Basic and Advanced IMAP accounts, use papamail.net. For domain hosted services, check your email server details in cPanel.
  4. Port: Ensure the default port is set to 465 for IMAP accounts.
  5. Security type: Use the dropdown arrow to select SSL/TLS.

Outgoing Settings

Tap Done to complete the configuration.

If you notice any problems or if you need any help, please open a support ticket from your HostPapa Dashboard. More details on how to open a support ticket can be found here.

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