Switch from POP to IMAP account
The blog is about IMAP Synchronization explains the benefits
of IMAP, which is the most modern and widely-used email protocol. (POP is an
earlier protocol with less functionality.) If you want to convert your existing
POP account to an IMAP account in Thunderbird, follow these steps.
Check that your mail
provider supports IMAP
While most mail providers support IMAP, a few still don't.
So first make sure that your mail provider supports IMAP.
If your provider does not support IMAP and you still want to
use an IMAP account, you must choose a new mail account provider, create an
account, and then move your messages from your old POP account to your new IMAP
account, as explained below.
Disable your POP
account
In order to avoid duplicating the checks for new messages,
first go to your account settings by opening the Tools > Account Settings
menu, then select Server settings and un-check both Check for new messages at
startup and Check for new messages every XX minutes in
Create the IMAP
account
- Open the File > New > Existing account menu
- Set up your account with the help of the assistant.
- When it asks if you want to use POP or IMAP,
select IMAP (remote folders).
- Your new IMAP account will be created and appear at the bottom of your existing mail accounts.
- Take the time to test if everything works. Check if your special folders are correctly recognized.
Transfer your local
messages to the server
If you have messages or folders in your POP account that you
would like access via your IMAP account, simply select them and move them to
your IMAP account by dragging and dropping. Depending on the number of messages
that you move, it may take several minutes to be uploaded. Be patient; you are
nearly finished.
Delete your POP
account
If you are converting your email account to IMAP from POP,
you can delete the POP account when you are completely sure that you have moved
all your important messages to the IMAP server (or into your Local Folders).
You cannot easily undo this action, so make sure that you really don't need the
messages stored in this account any more.
- Open your account settings by opening the menu Tools > Account Settings, then select your POP account.
- Click on the Account actions button at the bottom and select Remove Account.
