IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is a protocol used by email clients to retrieve emails from a mail server. When an email client connects to an IMAP server, it maintains a synchronized view of the server’s mailbox. This allows users to manage their email messages from multiple devices while ensuring that changes (such as read/unread status or deletions) are reflected consistently across all devices. IMAP operates over port 143 for non-encrypted connections and port 993 for encrypted connections (IMAPS).
IMAP emails typically remain stored on the server unless the user explicitly deletes them or moves them to a local folder. This is a key feature of IMAP, where emails act as centrally stored resources that can be accessed and managed from different devices without the need for downloading them locally. Users can view and manipulate their messages without worrying about losing them from the server unless they intentionally delete them.
IMAP primarily facilitates the receiving and synchronization of emails between the mail server and the user’s email client. When an email client using IMAP connects to the server, it retrieves new messages and updates the status of existing ones (such as marking them as read or moving them to different folders). Sending emails typically involves a different protocol like SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), which is used by email clients to send messages to a mail server for delivery.
An IMAP app functions similarly to traditional email clients but is specifically designed to support the IMAP protocol for accessing and managing emails. Such apps allow users to connect to their email accounts hosted on IMAP servers, synchronize their mailbox contents, read and compose emails, manage folders, and perform other email-related tasks. IMAP apps provide a user-friendly interface that integrates seamlessly with the IMAP protocol, enabling efficient communication and management of email messages across different devices and platforms.