Definition
💡 An Internet Message Access Protocol or IMAP lets you access your email using any device. This protocol stores your emails on a server. When you open a certain message, it downloads a copy of that, allowing you to access the email wherever you are. It also helps automate email processes like filtering spam or organizing emails into folders.
How do I find out what my IMAP is?
First, make sure the protocol is enabled. If you’re using Gmail:
- Open Settings.
- Click the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
- Select Enable IMAP under IMAP access.
- Click Save Changes.
If you’re an Outlook user:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Mail → Sync email.
- Toggle the switch Let devices and apps use POP to enable the protocol.
- Click Save.
To find your IMAP, check your email provider’s IMAP server address, which looks like this: “imap.[email provider].com”. Alternatively, look up your email client settings. This will depend on the device you’re using.
- For Outlook on PC: Click File. Select Account Settings → Account Settings. Tap your account. Under Server Information, find Incoming Mail Server.
- For iPhone, tap Settings. Tap Mail → Accounts → Add Account → Other. Enter the credentials of your email account. Tap Next and choose IMAP.
- For Android, tap Settings. Click Apps → Email → your account. Tap Server Settings.
If you still can’t find the server address, contact your email provider’s customer support.
What is an IMAP password?
This protects your account. Similar to how other passwords work, it’s associated with a username and an email address. It may be used alongside security measures like multi-factor authentication.
What service is provided by IMAP?
An IMAP allows users to access their emails from different devices, including phones and laptops. It syncs your emails, provides support from different email clients or apps, and allows you to organize your emails.
What is the difference between IMAP and POP3?
Post Office Protocol 3 (POP3) gives users access to mailboxes. If you’re using POP3, you can only download your emails to a local computer. While this lets you access emails even when you’re offline, you can’t access them if you’re using a different device.
With IMAP, your emails are stored on the server. You can also view your messages in all folders. Meanwhile, with POP3, once the email is downloaded, it will then be deleted from the server and you can only view it from your inbox.
