What is the difference between POP and IMAP email account settings?

POP (Post Office Protocol) and IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) are two different protocols used to access email accounts. The main difference lies in how they handle and store messages. With POP, emails are downloaded to a specific device, typically a computer or mobile phone, and then removed from the mail server. This means that the messages are locally stored and can be accessed even without an internet connection. However, since the emails are stored on the device, if it gets lost or damaged, the messages may be permanently lost. On the other hand, IMAP allows users to access their emails directly from the mail server. It syncs the messages across multiple devices, ensuring that any changes made on one device are reflected on others. This makes IMAP ideal for those who use multiple devices to access their emails. However, since messages are stored on the server, there is usually a storage limit imposed by the email provider. Therefore, the choice between POP and IMAP depends on the individual's needs and preferences. POP is suitable for those seeking offline access and have sufficient storage on their devices, while IMAP offers flexibility and synchronization across multiple devices.