Which protocol does Power Automate use to retrieve emails from IMAP servers?

Power Automate utilizes the IMAP protocol to retrieve emails from IMAP servers. IMAP, or Internet Message Access Protocol, is specifically designed for accessing email on a remote mail server. It allows users to view and manage their email without needing to download them directly to their device, thereby enabling a more organized and flexible email management system.

This protocol supports multiple clients accessing the same mailbox, making it suitable for scenarios where users utilize various devices (like smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers) to check their emails. By leveraging IMAP, Power Automate can efficiently integrate with email applications, allowing workflows to process and automate tasks based on incoming emails in real-time.

The other protocols, while related to email and often used in different contexts, do not directly pertain to the retrieval of emails in the way that IMAP does. For instance, SMTP is used primarily for sending emails, whereas POP3 is another retrieval protocol that lacks some of the features and flexibility offered by IMAP, such as access to multiple mailboxes and the ability to keep messages on the server.