The Default Email Address setting controls what happens when your domain receives email sent to an address that does not exist.
For example, if someone sends an email to unknown@yourdomain.org and that mailbox does not exist, the Default Address rule determines how the message is handled.
Accessing Default Address Settings
To manage the default email behavior, go to:
Email → Default Address
Select the domain you wish to configure and choose how unrouted messages should be handled.
Default Address Options
You may choose one of the following behaviors for messages sent to invalid addresses:
- Forwarded to – Unrouted messages will be forwarded to a specified email address.
- Deleted with :blackhole: – Messages are silently discarded and not delivered anywhere.
- Bounced with :fail: – The sending server is notified that the address does not exist.
Forwarding Unrouted Email
If you select Forwarded to, you must specify a destination email address. All messages sent to invalid addresses on the domain will be delivered to that mailbox.
Example:
- Unknown address: random@yourdomain.org
- Forward destination: office@yourdomain.org
In this case, the message will be delivered to office@yourdomain.org.
When to Use Each Option
- Forwarded to – Useful if you want to capture misaddressed email or ensure no messages are lost.
- Blackhole – Recommended if your domain receives a lot of spam addressed to random usernames.
- Fail – Recommended for stricter email validation so senders know the address does not exist.
Important Notes
- The default address only applies to email addresses that do not exist.
- Existing mailboxes and forwarders are not affected.
- Using a blackhole rule can reduce spam processing on busy domains.