SMTP is used to send and relay emails. IMAP is used to view and synchronize received messages.
In brief….An email account often uses SMTP to send and IMAP to view. Configure one, one does not replace the other.
Solution A….
SMTP
SMTP transports messages from a client to a server and between email servers.
Key points…
- Protocol of consignment
- Frequent ports: 25, 465 and 587 depending on the context
- Subject to anti-spam authentication and policies
Solution B….
IMAP
IMAP allows the client to read, classify and synchronize messages stored in the mailbox.
Key points…
- Consultation Protocol
- Frequent port: 143 and 993
- Maintains the folder status on the server
Comparative table….
| Criterion…. | SMTP | IMAP |
|---|---|---|
| Sense | Sending and relaying | Receiving and syncing |
| Content | Message to be transmitted | Existing mailbox |
| Server | SMTP server | IMAP Server |
| Typical error | Authentication or consignor refused | Connection or synchronization impossible |
Choose SMTP if…
You are a member of the group, sending from WordPress, a scanner, an application or a mail client.
Choose IMAP if…
You are conspiring to see, a box from Outlook, Thunderbird or a smartphone.
Key takeaways
An email account often uses SMTP to send and IMAP to view. Configure one, one does not replace the other.
Deepening the two notions….
← Back to all comparison…
See also:…. SMTP.