What Is IMAP and POP

The Basics

IMAP and POP are protocols for retrieving emails from an email server to allow you to read messages on your devices. Both protocols are used to connect you to your email account from a desktop email app.

IMAP

IMAP stands for Internet Message Access Protocol and is a form of cloud storage that lets you access your email from anywhere and any device. You don’t need to download and store it on your computer. Instead, you read it from the email service.

POP

POP stands for post office protocol – designed as a simple way to access a remote server. Almost all email servers and clients support the latest version. Sent mail is not stored on the email server for post office protocol. Instead, it is stored locally on your computer.

Conclusion

The primary difference between IMAP and POP is that IMAP leaves the email on the server and temporarily stores emails locally. In contrast, POP downloads emails from the server for permanent local storage. In other words, IMAP allows cloud storage while POP does not.