IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)

IMAP, or Internet Message Access Protocol, is a standard email protocol used to retrieve emails from a mail server. It allows you to read your emails from any device because it keeps the messages on the server instead of downloading them to a single device. This means you can check your inbox from your phone, laptop, or tablet, and it will always be up to date.

IMAP is particularly useful for managing your emails directly on the server, letting you organise, delete, or mark your messages as read across all your devices in real time. This contrasts with protocols like POP3, which typically download and may remove emails from the server, making them accessible from only one device unless specifically configured otherwise.