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An email alias is an extra address that delivers to your main inbox. Use a different one for shopping, newsletters or sign-ups, and you can filter, track and shut off unwanted mail without changing your real address. Here are the free options and how to set them up.
Key takeaways
- Plus addressing: Gmail and Outlook.com support addresses like [email protected] that still reach you and can be filtered.
- Alias services like Apple's Hide My Email (with iCloud+), Firefox Relay, DuckDuckGo Email Protection and SimpleLogin create forwarding addresses you can turn off.
- If an alias starts getting spam, you know who shared it, and you can disable it.
- Use aliases for sign-ups, not for banks or important accounts you need to recover.
Option 1: Plus addressing
Gmail and Outlook support name+shop@ addresses that still reach you, and you can filter on them. - In Gmail, anything after a plus sign is ignored for delivery: [email protected] arrives in [email protected]'s inbox. - Outlook.com supports plus addressing as well. - No setup needed. Just type the address when signing up.
Limits: some websites reject the plus sign, and anyone can remove the "+tag" to reach your real address. It's great for sorting, less so for privacy.
Option 2: Alias and forwarding services
Apple's Hide My Email (with iCloud+) and similar services create forwarding addresses you can turn off.
| Service | How it works | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hide My Email (Apple) | Random addresses forwarding to your Apple Account email; also built into Sign in with Apple | Included with iCloud+ |
| Firefox Relay | Email masks that forward to your inbox | Free tier with limited masks; paid plans for more |
| DuckDuckGo Email Protection | A personal @duck.com address plus private addresses; removes many email trackers | Free |
| SimpleLogin (by Proton) | Aliases, including on your own domain | Free tier; paid plans |
| Your own domain | Unlimited aliases via your email host | Domain and hosting costs |
Features and limits change, so check each service's current plans.
Step by step: set up Hide My Email on iPhone
- Open Settings and tap your name.
- Tap iCloud, then Hide My Email (requires an iCloud+ subscription).
- Tap Create New Address, add a label like "Shopping," and save.
- Use the address when signing up. Emails forward to your inbox.
- To stop mail, return to Hide My Email, choose the address and Deactivate it.
Step by step: use plus addressing with a filter in Gmail
- Sign up for a shop with [email protected].
- In Gmail, search to:[email protected].
- Click the search options icon, then Create filter.
- Choose Apply the label: Shopping and Skip the Inbox if you like.
- Save. See email filters that keep your inbox clean for more ideas.
Why it helps
If an alias starts getting spam, you know who shared it. Aliases also: - Keep promotional mail out of your main inbox. - Limit damage from data breaches, since your real address isn't exposed. - Make it easy to stop mail from a company that ignores unsubscribe requests.
When not to use an alias
- Banking, government and medical accounts: use your main address so recovery emails always reach you.
- Accounts you'd need to recover in an emergency: if an alias service shuts down or you cancel it, you could lose access.
- Work accounts, unless your employer allows it.
Replying from an alias
Some services, including Firefox Relay's paid plans, SimpleLogin and DuckDuckGo, let you reply through the alias so the recipient doesn't see your real address. With plus addressing, replies come from your real address.
Tips
- Use a consistent naming pattern for plus addresses, like +shop, +news and +travel.
- Keep a simple list of which alias you gave to which company.
- Combine aliases with filters to auto-sort mail.
- Deactivate aliases you no longer need.
Privacy bonus
Some services also strip tracking pixels from forwarded emails, which stops senders from seeing when you open their messages. DuckDuckGo Email Protection advertises tracker removal; check each service's current features. For spam already reaching you, see how to stop spam emails.
Dots in Gmail addresses
Gmail ignores dots in the part before @gmail.com, so [email protected] and [email protected] reach the same inbox. That isn't useful for filtering like plus addressing is, but it explains why you might receive email meant for an address that looks slightly different from yours. Note that this applies to personal Gmail addresses; work or school accounts may behave differently.
Choosing the right option
For simple sorting, plus addressing is free and instant. For privacy from marketers and data breaches, a forwarding service with random addresses works better, since the alias doesn't reveal your real address. If you want aliases that last for life, regardless of which provider you use, consider your own domain.
What happens if an alias service shuts down?
Forwarding stops, so mail sent to those aliases won't reach you. That's why important accounts should use an address you control long-term. Before relying on a service, check whether it lets you export a list of your aliases and which sites they're used on.
Frequently asked questions
What is an email alias?
An email alias is an extra address that forwards to your main inbox. You can use it for sign-ups and filter, track or disable it without changing your real address.
Does Gmail support plus addressing?
Yes. Anything after a plus sign is ignored for delivery, so [email protected] arrives in [email protected]'s inbox.
Is Hide My Email free?
Hide My Email is included with an iCloud+ subscription. It also works for free with Sign in with Apple on supported apps and websites.
Can I reply from an email alias?
With some alias services, yes, and the recipient sees only the alias. With Gmail plus addressing, replies come from your real address.
Sources
Official sources this article relies on, checked October 15, 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm details at the source.
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