Any way not to delete IMAP mails from the server after deleting them from my mac or iPhone?

I used to manage my mails via POP but this is now no longer possible and I had to migrate to IMAP.


One benefit with POP was to be able to keep messages on the server. -- any idea how I could preserve my mails intact on the server in spite of deleting them from my MacMail or IOS?


Thanks

MacBook Air, macOS 15.4

Posted on Apr 23, 2025 9:28 AM

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3 replies

Apr 24, 2025 12:27 PM in response to MandelMobileMe

> One benefit with POP was to be able to keep messages on the server


I think you misunderstand IMAP.


IMAP keeps all the messages on the server. That is literally how it works.


The server is point-of-truth for your mailbox, which is why IMAP supports multiple client devices (such as desktop, phone, tablet) connecting to the same mail account and seeing a consistent view.


Not sure what you're trying to do by deleting messages from your Mac/iOS device but still having the message on the server.

Apr 24, 2025 11:14 AM in response to MandelMobileMe

MandelMobileMe wrote:

I used to manage my mails via POP but this is now no longer possible and I had to migrate to IMAP.

One benefit with POP was to be able to keep messages on the server. -- any idea how I could preserve my mails intact on the server in spite of deleting them from my MacMail or IOS?

Thanks

Sorry your don't, that is how IMAP work.

OR you can ask your email provider what options you have.

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Any way not to delete IMAP mails from the server after deleting them from my mac or iPhone?

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