Dictionary · Protocols and Ports
POP3
POP3 — Post Office Protocol 3
Email · Beginner
A mailbox protocol that downloads messages to the client. The traditional cleartext port is 110, and the encrypted form commonly uses 995.
It is designed around picking mail up. Clients often remove messages from the server after downloading, which makes the same mailbox awkward on several devices.
Example: A mail application connects, downloads new messages, and the server no longer keeps the only copy.
Ports
- TCP 110 — Cleartext mailbox download
- TCP 995 — Encrypted mailbox download
Common misconception
- Downloading mail is not the same protocol that transfers mail between servers.