Internet Message Access Protocol
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application layer internet protocol for e-mail retrieval and storage
IMAP is an internet protocol that allows you to retrieve and store your emails on a mail server, so you can access your messages from multiple devices. It matters because it enables the convenient email experience most people rely on today, where your messages stay synchronized across your phone, computer, and other devices.
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- Image
- Imap modes.jpg
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- port
- 143
- publication date
- 1986-00-00
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In computing, the Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) is an Internet standard protocol used by email clients to retrieve email messages from a mail server over a TCP/IP connection. IMAP is defined by RFC 9051.
IMAP was designed with the goal of permitting complete management of an email box by multiple email clients; therefore, clients generally leave messages on the server until the user explicitly deletes them. An IMAP server typically listens on port number 143. IMAP over SSL/TLS (IMAPS) is assigned the port number 993.