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.