A catch-all (default address) captures email sent to any address on your domain that does not have its own mailbox. It ensures messages to mistyped or unknown addresses are not lost.
Configure the Catch-All
- Log in to cPanel and open Default Address under the Email section.
- Select your domain from the dropdown.
- Choose Forward to Email Address and enter the mailbox that should receive the catch-all mail.
- Click Change to save.
Other Options
- Discard with error to sender rejects unknown mail and notifies the sender. This is the recommended default for most domains.
- Forward to Email Address sends everything to one inbox.
Why You Might Avoid a Catch-All
Catch-all addresses attract large amounts of spam because senders can guess any address. Consider these alternatives:
- Create specific addresses (info@, sales@, support@) and forwarders only where needed.
- Use Discard so unknown addresses bounce cleanly.
If You Do Use One
- Point it to a dedicated mailbox you can clean regularly.
- Apply spam filtering on that mailbox to reduce noise.
For advice on whether a catch-all suits your domain, message us on WhatsApp at +254 796 358081.