# Using a catch-all email address

> Set up a catch-all address in cPanel to receive email sent to addresses that do not exist on your domain.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/email/email-setup/using-a-catch-all-email-address/

A **catch‑all e‑mail address** is a special mailbox that receives all messages sent to non‑existent e‑mail addresses under your domain. For example, if you set up a catch‑all for `example.com`, any message sent to `anything@example.com` (where “anything” is not a valid mailbox) will be delivered to the catch‑all account.

## Overview

- Catch‑all addresses are useful if you want to ensure no e‑mail sent to your domain is lost.
- They can help capture messages sent to mistyped or forgotten addresses.
- However, catch‑all addresses can also attract large amounts of spam, since spammers often send to random addresses.

## How to Configure a Catch‑All Address in cPanel

1. Log in to **cPanel**.
2. In the **Email** section, click **Default Address**.
3. Select the domain for which you want to set up the catch‑all.
4. Choose one of the following options:

   - **Forward to Email Address**: Enter the destination mailbox where all misaddressed mail should be delivered.
   - **Discard with Error to Sender**: Reject the message and send a bounce‑back error.
   - **Forward to System Account**: Deliver to the default system mailbox.
5. Click **Change** to save your settings.

## Best Practices

- Use a catch‑all only if you expect legitimate mail to mistyped addresses.
- Regularly monitor the catch‑all mailbox to avoid missing important messages.
- Consider using spam filters to reduce unwanted mail.
- If spam volume becomes excessive, disable the catch‑all and rely on specific mailboxes instead.