POP vs IMAP
Wondering about the difference between POP and IMAP email server settings?
About POP Email Server Settings
POP (Post Office Protocol) or POP3 is a protocol for receiving email that downloads it to your computer, from a mailbox on the Shaw server. Some advantages of using POP:
- Your email is stored locally and can be accessed without an Internet connection.
- An Internet connection is only required for sending and receiving email.
- No email is stored on a server, so your data is safer from being hacked.
Some disadvantages of using POP:
- Email messages are only stored in one place. If your device (i.e. laptop or phone) is stolen or lost, your emails will be lost
- After being downloaded, your email can only be accessed using the same device (i.e. laptop)
About IMAP Email Server Settings
IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is a protocol that leaves your emails on the server, allowing you to read and manage emails using multiple computers, devices, and email apps. Some advantages of using IMAP:
- Your email is stored on the remote server so you can access it wherever and on whatever device you wish.
- IMAP clients will allow you to store emails locally and will sync when online.
- If your device is lost or stolen, your emails are safe and can be accessed on a different device
- Typically IMAP is better for people who usee Webmail
Some disadvantages of using IMAP:
- An Internet connection is required to access your emails.
- Messages are kept on the server, so hackers can access everything if your server or password is not secure or compromised.
Additional Resources on POP vs. IMAP
For additional information on POP vs. IMAP check out these resources (Note: these are third-party resources not Shaw specific):
POP3 Incoming Mail Server
If you use Shaw's POP3 incoming mail server, your email app will download email from the server, to your device. This is useful if you use a single device to manage your email.
Incoming mail server and settings:
Incoming Mail Server: pop.shaw.ca
Server Type: POP
Security Type: None
Port: 110
Encrypted incoming mail server and settings:
Incoming Server: pop.shaw.ca
Server Type: POP
Security Type: SSL/TLS
Port: 995
Outgoing mail server with authentication
This server lets you send email while your device is using an Internet connection provided by Shaw. It allows you to send email when using an Internet connection not provided by Shaw. Whether at a coffee shop using a wireless connection, or using your mobile phone's cellular data, you would still be able to send email using this server.
Outgoing Mail Server: mail.shaw.ca
Server Type: SMTP
SSL: on
StartTLS: on (for Android devices only)
Port: 587
Authentication: Plain Text or Password
IMAP with SSL/TLS
IMAP leaves your emails on the server, allowing you to read and manage emails using multiple computers, devices, and email apps. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) allows you to send email while your device is using an Internet connection provided by anyone other than Shaw.
Incoming Mail Server Information:
Incoming Mail Server: imap.shaw.ca
Incoming Port: 993
SSL/TLS: Yes
Username: Shaw email address without the @shaw.ca
Password: Your email password
Outgoing Mail Server Information:
Outgoing Mail Server: mail.shaw.ca
Outgoing Port: 587
SSL/TLS: Yes
Username: Shaw email address without the @shaw.ca
Password: Your email password
IMAP without SSL
Here are the server settings for using IMAP without SSL.
Incoming Mail Server Information:
Incoming Mail Server: imap.shaw.ca
Incoming Port: 143
SSL/TLS: No
Username: Shaw email address without the @shaw.ca
Password: Your email password
Outgoing Mail Server Information:
Outgoing Mail Server: mail.shaw.ca
Outgoing Port: 587
SSL/TLS: Yes
Username: Shaw email address without the @shaw.ca
Password: Your email password