What are IMAP and POP?

When setting up an email application—such as Microsoft Outlook, Apple Mail, and Samsung Mail—users must choose whether it will connect to the email server using IMAP or POP. While both allow users to read, send, and organize email, they interact with the email server very differently.

IMAP

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) allows email applications to access and manage email directly on the server, meaning email is stored remotely on the server rather than locally on the user's device. Some key characteristics of IMAP include:

• Access: Email is stored on the server, allowing the user to access all of their email at any time.
• Synchronization: Changes made to email—such as reading, sending, or organizing—are synchronized across all devices.
• Data Loss: Because email is stored on the server rather than the device, email is protected from data loss when a device is lost, damaged or replaced.
• Storage: Users must be mindful of storage limits imposed by their email service provider. If the storage limit is reached, users may need to archive or delete emails to free up space.

POP

POP (Post Office Protocol) allows the email application to download emails from the server. Typically, emails are removed form the server after being downloaded, meaning emails are stored locally on the user's device(s) rather than remotely on the server. Some key characteristics of POP include:

• Access: Downloaded emails can be accessed on the device at any time, even when there is no internet connection.
• Synchronization: Changes made to email—such as reading, sending, or organizing email—are not reflected across devices. Each device carries its own indepenent copy of the email.
• Data Loss: Because email is stored on the device rather than the server, email isn't protected from data loss when a device is lost, damaged or replaced.
• Storage: There is no limit to the amount of email stored, as long as the device has free space available.