Frequent polling is an inefficient use of network and mobile device battery resources. So Mobile device users are encouraged to use IMAP IDLE which is a very small efficient command request.
Configure your client for IMAP IDLE
Below is just a brief summary setup guide. Check your email client software documentation to find out more details if IMAP IDLE is supported and how to enable it.
Microsoft Outlook 2010
- Send/Receive (tab) > Send/Receive Groups > Define Send/Receive Groups.
- For each Group, Uncheck, Schedule an automatic send/receive every x minutes.
- Click Close button.
Microsoft Outlook 2007
- Tools > Send/Receive > Send/Receive Settings.
- Select Define Send/Receive Groups.
- For each Group, Uncheck, Schedule an automatic send/receive every x minutes.
- Click Close button.
Apple iPad
- Go to "Settings" and select Mail, Contacts, Calendars.
- Under 'Accounts', click Fetch New Data.
- Turn "ON" Push and make sure it is set to 'Manually'
- Select your account.
- Go to Menu | More | Settings | Send & Receive.
- Select "Set download frequency".
- Change "Peak times" and "Off-peak times" to Manual.
Android K9 Mail
- Select your account.
- Go to Menu | More | Settings | Account Settings.
- Change "Folder poll check frequency" to Never.
- Select "Preferences & Accounts" from the application menu (top Email tab).
- Under "Accounts", select your account.
- Scroll down to the box titled "Sync".
- Change the setting for "Get Email" to "As items arrive".
- Use the back gesture to save your configuration.
Remember, not all smart phones and devices support all of the ever changing protocols. Many of the capabilities are dependent on both the smart device's operating system version and restrictions and modifications which have been put in place by your carrier.
