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Port 995 (POP3S) — What It Is and How to Use It

Port 995 is the standard port for POP3S (Post Office Protocol version 3 Secure), which is a secure version of the POP3 protocol used for retrieving emails from a mail server. It encrypts the communication between the email client and the server using SSL/TLS, protecting sensitive information like usernames, passwords, and email content from eavesdropping.

Last updated: 2026-06-11

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Port Number 995
Protocol POP3S

Common Use Cases

  • Securely downloading emails from a mail server to an email client (e.g., Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail).
  • Ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of email communication during retrieval.
  • Providing an encrypted alternative to the unencrypted POP3 protocol on port 110.

Interactive Command Builder

nc -zv example.com 995

Check if Port 995 is Open

sudo nmap -p 995 <IP_address_or_hostname>
Test-NetConnection -ComputerName <IP_address_or_hostname> -Port 995
⚠️ Security Note: While POP3S inherently provides encryption, it's crucial to ensure the server's SSL/TLS certificate is valid and trusted to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. Regular updates of both the email client and server software are also essential to patch any known vulnerabilities.

Related Ports

Port 110 Port 993 Port 587 Port 465

Frequently Asked Questions

Is port 995 dangerous to leave open?

Leaving port 995 open on a mail server is necessary for email clients to securely retrieve mail. However, it's only 'dangerous' if the underlying POP3S service is misconfigured, unpatched, or uses weak SSL/TLS certificates, which could expose the server to vulnerabilities.

What service uses port 995?

Port 995 is exclusively used by POP3S (Post Office Protocol version 3 Secure), which is the secure version of the POP3 protocol for email retrieval.