How does IMAP differ from POP3?

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Where IMAP retrieves and synchronizes emails, POP3 retrieves them and then deletes them from the server.

In other words, with POP3, there's no synchronization.

POP3 was used a lot for offline desktop email clients but with the arrival of IMAP with its distinct synchronization advantage, POP3 usage has been in decline. IMAP's primary function is to retrieve emails from receiving servers.

of transferring the email, it copies it to its board members email list own IMAP server, which becomes accessible to you if you've configured the IMAP server Instead in your email client or app.

All messages and even folder structures get synced with IMAP. That means that if you make changes to them in your email client or app, these changes will also be applied to the emails on the IMAP server.

The cool thing is that you can connect with multiple devices and email clients, and your email account will still sync perfectly, thanks to IMAP.

This lack of synchronization with POP3 can lead to data loss or inconsistencies across devices.

Partner in crime
When it comes to receiving email and synchronizing mailboxes, IMAP will be the preferred choice in the foreseeable future.

For sending email, another protocol is the leading player in town: SMTP.

To get the lowdown on the differences between IMAP and SMTP and how they work together, read: IMAP vs SMTP – Email protocols explained in simple terms .