
What is SMTP and MAP?
Published on February 20, 2025
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
SMTP is a protocol used for sending emails. It works as a push protocol, meaning it pushes (sends) emails from the sender's email client to the recipient's email server. SMTP is responsible for outgoing mail only.
How SMTP Works:
- When you send an email, your email client (like Gmail, Outlook, or Thunderbird) connects to an SMTP server.
- The SMTP server processes the email and determines the recipient's email server.
- The email is then forwarded to the recipient's mail server, where it waits for the recipient to retrieve it.
Common SMTP Ports:
- Port 25 – Default SMTP port (often blocked by ISPs to prevent spam).
- Port 587 – Secure SMTP (TLS encryption).
- Port 465 – Legacy secure SMTP (SSL encryption).
MAP (Likely Referring to IMAP - Internet Message Access Protocol)
IMAP is a protocol used for receiving emails. Unlike SMTP, which is for sending, IMAP allows you to access emails stored on a mail server without downloading them permanently to your device.
How IMAP Works:
- When you check your email, your email client connects to the IMAP server.
- The IMAP server keeps the emails stored on the server, allowing you to read, delete, or organize them without downloading them.
- Any changes made (reading, deleting, moving emails) sync across all devices.
Common IMAP Ports:
- Port 143 – Default IMAP (non-secure).
- Port 993 – Secure IMAP (SSL/TLS encryption).
Difference Between SMTP and IMAP
Feature | SMTP | IMAP |
Purpose | Sending emails | Receiving emails |
Storage | No storage (just forwards emails) | Emails stay on the server |
Access | Works with a sender's email client | Works with multiple devices synchronizing emails |
Encryption Ports | 465, 587 | 993 |