IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) — a method of connecting to email through email programs and other services. Emails remain on the mail server and are synchronized between connected devices and programs.
How IMAP works
After connecting, the program gains access to the emails in the mailbox. When a new email arrives, it can be read through the connected program without visiting the email service’s website each time.
With IMAP, you can:
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Receive emails: new messages appear in the connected program.
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Work with folders: inbox, sent, spam, and other folders are available.
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Synchronize changes: if an email is read, moved, or deleted in one place, the changes are also displayed in other connected clients.
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Work with email on different devices: the mailbox status will be synchronized between them.
Connecting usually requires the mail server address, login, password, or a separate app password.
Why IMAP is used in traffic arbitrage
In traffic arbitrage, IMAP is often used when working with accounts linked to an email address. For example, when purchasing an autoreg or farm account, the seller may specify «email with IMAP».
This means that special software can be connected to the mailbox to automatically retrieve verification codes and account recovery links from emails.
This is especially convenient when working with a network of accounts, when notifications and verification codes are sent by email.
IMAP and POP3 — what is the difference
Both protocols are used to receive email, but they work differently:
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IMAP: emails are stored on the server, and changes are synchronized between connected devices and programs.
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POP3: emails are downloaded to the device, so this protocol is less suitable for accessing the same mailbox from multiple locations.
