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How to switch your Outlook account from POP to IMAP

Last updated on Nov 21,2023 |

under

Account Settings, DirectAdmin, Email, Email, Email Client, Outlook

by IPSERVERONE

Introduction

This guide provides detailed instructions for users who need to change their email account in Microsoft Outlook from POP3 connection to an IMAP connection.

Prerequisites

Microsoft Outlook: Ensure you have Microsoft Outlook installed on your computer.
Active Email Account: Have an active email account set up with POP3.
Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is required for email synchronization.
Backup Storage: Ensure you have sufficient storage for the backup of your mailbox.
Email Server Details: Have your email server’s IMAP settings at hand (server addresses, ports, encryption methods).

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Backing Up Your Mailboxes

Open Outlook: Select File > Open & Export > Import/Export.

Export Mailboxes: Choose Export to a file > Outlook Data File (.pst).

Select Mailboxes: Choose the mailboxes and subfolders to back up.

Save Backup: Choose a location to save your backup.

Create password for the backup file.

Step 2: Deleting the POP Account

After create backup for your POP account, you can proceed to delete the POP account. Make sure you create backup before you delete the POP account.

Access Account Settings: Go to File > Info > Account Settings > Account Settings….

Remove Account: Select the email account and click Remove. In the confirmation pop out, click Yes.

Step 3: Setting Up Your IMAP Account

Add IMAP Account: In Account Settings, click New…, or go to File > Add Account.

Fill in email account and allow manual setup account

Choose IMAP setup

Fill in the password and click Connect

Note: If pop out error, click Change Account Settings and follow the below settings for the hostname and port:

*Follow the below settings for the hostname and port:

Incoming Mail

Server: mail.<domain_name>

Port: 993

Encryption method: SSL/TLS

Outgoing Mail

Server: mail.<domain_name>

Port: 465

Encryption method: SSL/TLS

Complete the IMAP setup

Step 4: Restoring Your Mailbox

Import Backup: Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export > Import from another program or file.

Select Backup File: Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) and navigate to your backup file.

Complete Restoration: Choose the destination folder and complete the process.

Conclusion

Congratulations! By following these steps, you’ve successfully transitioned your email account in Microsoft Outlook from a POP3 to an IMAP connection, ensuring smoother synchronization and backup management. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team at support@ipserverone.com.