Configure POP to Download Mail and Free Server Space
On EconomicalHost shared and Linux mail server plans, mailbox space is working space — your computer is the archive. This guide sets up the exact recommended workflow: POP download with a 7–14 day server window.
Your mail server settings
| Setting | IMAP (multi-device) | POP3 (download to one computer) |
|---|---|---|
| Incoming server | mail.yourdomain.com | |
| Incoming port | 993 (SSL/TLS) | 995 (SSL/TLS) |
| Outgoing server (SMTP) | mail.yourdomain.com | |
| Outgoing port | 465 (SSL/TLS) | |
| Username | your full email address (e.g. you@yourdomain.com) | |
| Password | the email account password set in cPanel | |
| Authentication | Required — same as incoming / normal password | |
Replace yourdomain.com with your own domain. The exact hostname is in cPanel → Email Accounts → Connect Devices — see finding your mail server settings.
Step-by-step
- Understand the goal. Your mail client downloads every message to your computer (permanent storage), leaves a copy on the server for 7–14 days (so webmail/phone still show recent mail), then the server copy is removed automatically — the mailbox never fills.
- Add the account as POP3 in your client — see the client guides: classic Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail. Use port 995 with SSL.
- Outlook: File → Account Settings → double-click account → More Settings → Advanced → tick "Leave a copy of messages on the server" + "Remove from server after 14 days".
- Thunderbird: Account Settings → Server Settings → "Leave messages on server, for at most 14 days".
- Apple Mail: Settings → Accounts → Advanced → "Remove copy from server after retrieving a message: After one week".
- Open the client at least every few days (or leave it running) — download only happens when the client checks mail.
- Empty Sent and Trash in webmail monthly — POP does not download those folders. See freeing mailbox space.
- Back up your computer. Once downloaded, your computer holds the only copy — include the mail data folder in your regular backup.
💡 Good to know
- This workflow is required practice on EconomicalHost plans where mail space is working space — download at least every 7–14 days.
- One "main" computer should run POP; other devices use webmail for recent mail.
- Going on long leave? Mail simply accumulates within quota until your client next runs — size quotas generously enough for a holiday.