Port 993 (IMAPS) — What It Is and How to Use It

Port 993 is the standard port for IMAP over SSL/TLS (IMAPS). It provides a secure way for email clients to retrieve email messages from a mail server, encrypting the communication to protect sensitive information like login credentials and message content.

Last updated: 2026-06-11

RECOMMENDED

Gear Up: Mechanical Keyboards for Developers

Reduce fatigue and type faster with premium mechanical keyboards. Check out top picks for software engineers.

Shop Developer Gear →

                Port Number
                993
            

Protocol IMAPS

Common Use Cases

Securely retrieving emails from an IMAP server using an email client (e.g., Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail).
Synchronizing email folders and messages between a client and server.
Accessing email from webmail interfaces that connect to an IMAP backend.

Interactive Command Builder

Target Host / IP

Operating System

Generated Command

nc -zv example.com 993

Check if Port 993 is Open

sudo netstat -tulnp | grep 993

netstat -ano | findstr :993

⚠️ Security Note: While IMAPS inherently provides encryption, ensuring the server's SSL/TLS certificate is valid and trusted is crucial to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. Misconfigurations or weak ciphers can still compromise security.

Related Ports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is port 993 dangerous to leave open?

No, port 993 is generally not dangerous to leave open if it's properly configured and secured with a valid SSL/TLS certificate. It's essential for secure email retrieval. However, like any open port, it should only be accessible to legitimate services and users.

What service uses port 993?

Port 993 is used by IMAPS (Internet Message Access Protocol Secure), which is the secure version of IMAP. It allows email clients to access and manage email messages on a remote server over an encrypted connection.