IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)

An email standard that syncs messages across devices, letting users access mail stored on hosting servers.

IMAP is the technology that keeps your email synchronised across all your devices. When you read or delete a message on your phone, those changes appear instantly on your laptop and desktop too. Unlike older methods that download and remove emails from the server, IMAP stores them online so they stay accessible anywhere. It's perfect for people who manage email on multiple devices or share inboxes within teams. Most hosting providers use IMAP by default because it's efficient, reliable, and maintains a consistent inbox no matter where you log in from.