IMAP allows you to read your messages on the server without “popping” them to your computer like offered with POP accounts. The advantage is that all messages and folder will remain in tact in your Gmail account
- Log in to your Gmail account
- Click on Settings link at the top and then on the Forwarding and POP/IMAP link. This will bring you to configuration screen.
- Under IMAP Access: section make sure Enable IMAP is checked
- Follow the “Configuration instructions” link to configure your mail client like Outlook, Thunderbird, iPhone