Switch from IMAP to POP3 in Thunderbird- Step-by-Step guide
If you are confused about which email protocol you want to use in Thunderbird, then this is the right place to be, as in this article, I will guide you to the benefits of each protocol and how to switch from IMAP to POP3 in Thunderbird.
If we talk about IMAP, it is suitable for syncing the emails across multiple devices, and POP3 allows local storage of your emails, which is very useful to access the emails without the internet. Compared to IMAP, POP3 is the most popular and easiest to use.
In Thunderbird, you need to create a new POP3-configured account and then import your emails from the IMAP account, as it doesn't allow you to directly switch from the IMAP account to POP3.
Should You Convert IMAP to POP3 in Thunderbird?
Before you change the configuration from IMAP to POP3, it is important for you to understand the reasons why most users prefer to switch from IMAP to POP3 in Thunderbird:
Give offline accessibility: You can easily download the emails directly to your computer without the internet.
Store Locally: You can save the emails on your device so it dont take the server storage.
Extended data retention: It is beneficial for users who prefer to keep old emails without filling up their servers.
Improved Performance: IMAP keeps syncing with the servers in real time, which results in a slowdown of Thunderbird; POP3 avoids it.
Manual Methods: Switch From IMAP to POP3 in Thunderbird
The process includes four simple steps, as Thunderbolt doesn’t allow changing the account type directly.
Saving up a copy for your IMAP emails.
Disconnecting the IMAP account.
Starting fresh with a POP3 email setup.
Restoring saved emails to the POP3 account.
Step 1: Saving up a copy of your IMAP emails
Before doing anything, make sure that you have taken a backup of your IMAP account so you don’t lose your data, as it is the first step to switch from IMAP to POP3 in Thunderbird.
Step 2: Disconnecting The IMAP Account
To remove the account:
Open the Thunderbird application.
Go to Tools and then account settings.
Choose the IMAP account in the left sidebar.
Select Account Actions and choose Remove Account.
Select confirm deletion.
Make sure you have completed your backup before you delete the account without this it can’t be possible to switch from IMAP to POP3 in Thunderbird.
Step 3. Starting Fresh With a POP3 Email Setup
Steps to Add a POP3 Account:
Open the Thunderbird application and select Tools and then Account settings.
Click on Account Actions, and after that, Add Mail Account
Enter your credentials, like your name, email, and password.
Proceed with Continue, then select manual configuration.
Now, set the incoming server to POP3
Insert the correct POP3 settings from your email provider.
Select Done to finish the setup.
BIngo! You’ve finished setting up the account to switch from IMAP to POP3 in Thunderbird.
Step 4. Restoring saved emails to the POP3 account.
Great! Now that your POP3 account is ready to use, you need to restore the old emails that you have backed up, as it is the last and most important step to switch from IMAP to POP3 in Thunderbird.
To import the files:
In Thunderbird App, install the ImportExportTools NG add-on from the local.
Right-click on your POP3 inbox.
Go to ImportExport Tools NG and then Import all EML files from a directory.
Find the folder containing your exported EML files.
Click on the select folder and then let Thunderbird import the messages.
Consider a Pro Solution as Your Friend for Hassle-Free Migration.
Use an automated solution like SysTools Thunderbird Converter, which helps you to ease the email migration process. It has more advanced features like auto-detection, batch export, and supports multiple formats. This tool takes the headache of switching from IMAP to POP3 in Thunderbird, making the whole migration process quick and easy.
Here are some Key Features:
Automatically finds your Thunderbird profile data
Export emails to PST, EML, MSG, PDF, or Mbox formats
Keeps your folder structure intact
There is no limit on file size
No issue with working on all versions of Windows
Conclusion:
Thunderbird doesn’t let you switch from IMAP to POP3 with a single click- but don’t worry! You can still make the switch smoothly by following this guide. With our tool, you can securely and easily backup, export, and restore your emails with no data loss, no stress.
