IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is a standard protocol used by email clients to access and manage email messages stored on a mail server. Unlike older protocols like POP3, which typically download emails to a single device and remove them from the server, IMAP keeps emails on the server, allowing users to access, read, organize, and manage their messages from multiple devices and locations.
Emails remain on the server, ensuring that actions like reading, deleting, or organizing messages are synchronized across all devices connected to the account. Only the email headers are initially downloaded; the full message is retrieved when you open it, saving bandwidth and storage on your device. Any changes (such as moving or deleting emails) are instantly reflected on the server and all connected devices. IMAP supports multiple folders and allows for server-side email organization, filtering, and searching