IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is the standard protocol used to access and synchronize email stored on a mail server.

Unlike POP3, IMAP is designed for users who access the same mailbox from multiple devices.

With IMAP:

• Emails remain on the mail server.
• Your email client downloads only the information it needs.
• Actions performed on one device are synchronized to all other devices.

Example:

Mail Server
      │
 ┌────┴────┐
 │         │
Laptop   Smartphone
 │         │
 └────┬────┘
      │
Synchronized Mailbox

Today, port 993 is the most commonly used.

• Synchronizes multiple devices
• Keeps messages on the server
• Supports folders
• Supports server-side search
• Saves bandwidth by downloading messages only when needed

Using IMAP, an email client can:

• Read email
• Create folders
• Move messages
• Delete messages
• Mark messages as read
• Synchronize changes

Modern IMAP connections should always use TLS.

Most providers recommend:

Port 993
SSL/TLS Enabled

The Telenegar Mail Check service can verify:

• IMAP connectivity
• Open IMAP ports
• TLS availability
• Certificate validity

• IMAP downloads and removes email from the server.
  • False. Messages normally remain on the server.

• IMAP is slower than POP3.
  • Not necessarily. IMAP only downloads what is needed.

• POP3
• SMTP
• MX Records
• Mail Check

email imap mail tls