What does IMAP stand for?

IMAP stands for Internet Message Access Protocol. It is an email protocol that lets a mail client access and manage messages stored on a remote mail server rather than simply downloading them to one device.

IMAP was designed by Mark Crispin beginning in 1986. Its server-centered approach allows multiple clients—such as a phone, laptop, and webmail interface—to see synchronized folders, read states, and message changes. This differs from traditional POP3 use, which commonly downloads messages for local storage and may remove them from the server.

The standard IMAP service traditionally uses TCP port 143. IMAP protected with SSL or TLS, often called IMAPS, commonly uses port 993. Modern versions include IMAP4rev2, while virtually all major email clients and providers support IMAP in some form.

The acronym has an unusual history. Early versions were called Interim Mail Access Protocol and then Interactive Mail Access Protocol. The current standard expansion is Internet Message Access Protocol, so those historical names are not the expected answer to this question.