# Turn on POP or IMAP access

To let a mail app reach your mailbox, open **Settings › Enable POP/IMAP**, turn on IMAP, POP or both, and pick the date from which mail should be available. Click **Update**. Only mail that arrived on or after that date shows in the app, so a new laptop does not download years of old mail.

## How to turn on POP or IMAP access

1. Click your profile picture, choose **Settings** and open **Enable POP/IMAP**.
2. Turn on "Enable IMAP only for mail that arrives from" and pick a date, or do the same for POP.
3. Click **Update**.
4. Set up your mail app with the IMAP or POP server settings.

## When to use it

> Vivek sets up Thunderbird on a new laptop. He turns on IMAP only for mail from 1 January 2026, so the laptop does not download ten years of mail.

## Options

| Option | What it does |
|---|---|
| Enable IMAP only for mail that arrives from | Lets IMAP apps see mail from the chosen date. Folders stay in step with webmail. |
| Enable POP only for mail that arrives from | Lets POP apps download mail from the chosen date. |

## Good to know

- Webmail always shows all your mail. The date only affects mail apps.
- Turn IMAP or POP off again when you stop using an app.

## Common questions

**Why can't I see my older mail in Outlook?**

Mail from before the start date you chose is not offered to mail apps. Pick an earlier date in **Enable POP/IMAP** and click **Update**.

**The Enable POP/IMAP section is missing. Why?**

Your administrator has not allowed POP or IMAP for your account, or has hidden this section. Ask them.


Source: https://docs.xgenplus.com/connect/turn-on-pop-or-imap/