IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is an email retrieval and management protocol that allows email clients to access messages stored on a remote mail server. Instead of downloading and removing messages by default, IMAP keeps emails on the server and synchronizes mailbox state—such as read status, folders, flags, and deletions—across multiple devices. This makes IMAP well suited for users who access the same email account from multiple clients or locations. IMAP typically operates over TCP port 143, or port 993 when secured using SSL/TLS.
