A catch-all email address allows your domain to receive email sent to incorrect or non-existent email addresses.
This guide explains how to configure a catch-all email address in DirectAdmin.
What Is a Catch-All Email Address?
A catch-all email address receives messages sent to email addresses that do not exist on your domain.
Example:
If someone sends email to: sales@yourdomain.co.za
but the mailbox does not exist, the message can automatically be redirected to a catch-all mailbox such as: info@yourdomain.co.za
Before You Start
Before creating a catch-all address, make sure:
- Your domain is active
- You can log into DirectAdmin
- You already have a working mailbox to receive forwarded mail
If you have not created an email account yet, please see:
- How to Create an Email Account in DirectAdmin
Important Recommendation
We generally recommend using catch-all addresses carefully.
Catch-all mailboxes can:
- receive large amounts of spam
- increase mailbox storage usage
- attract unwanted email
For most businesses, creating proper individual mailboxes is usually better.
How to Create a Catch-All Email Address
Step 1 — Log Into DirectAdmin
Open your browser and visit:
https://cp.yourdomain.co.za (Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name)Enter your hosting username and password.
Step 2 — Open Catch-All Email Settings
From the DirectAdmin dashboard:
Click: Advanced Features
Then click: Catch-All Email
Step 3 — Select the Domain
Choose the domain you want to configure. (top right)
Example: yourdomain.co.za
Step 4 — Configure the Catch-All Address
Choose where unmatched email should go.
Common options include:
- Disabled
- Drop all mail sent to a non-existent mailbox
- Custom email address - Enter the email address that all emails that dont match valid mailboxes or forwarders exist. NOTE: you will most likely receive spam emails addressed to people who don't exist in your organization, but this is nice if you want to use an email address that does'nt exist on websites and receive the email, like giving google google@abc.co.za then you know if your email address is leaked where it originated from. note this can only be set on one email address.
Step 5 — Enter the Destination Mailbox
If forwarding mail, enter the destination email address.
Example: info@yourdomain.co.za
Step 6 — Save the Settings
Click: Save
The catch-all address is now active.
Common Uses for Catch-All Mailboxes
Receiving Mistyped Email
Catch-all addresses can help receive mail sent to:
- incorrect addresses
- spelling mistakes
- old mailbox names
Temporary Mailbox Consolidation
Useful while:
- migrating businesses
- restructuring email
- consolidating mailboxes
Monitoring Unused Addresses
Businesses sometimes use catch-all mailboxes to identify:
- attempted spam
- unknown addresses
- customer mistakes
Important Notes
Catch-All Mailboxes Often Receive Spam
Because they accept email for non-existent addresses, catch-all accounts can attract:
- spam
- phishing mail
- junk email
Mailbox Storage Can Increase Quickly
Large amounts of unwanted email may:
- fill mailboxes
- increase storage usage
- affect performance
Monitor mailbox usage regularly.
Consider Using Proper Mailboxes Instead
Creating real mailboxes is usually:
- cleaner
- safer
- easier to manage
for business email.
Troubleshooting
Catch-All Not Receiving Email
Check:
- destination mailbox exists
- DNS and MX records correct
- mailbox not full
- settings saved correctly
Mailbox Receiving Too Much Spam
Consider:
- disabling catch-all
- using spam filtering
- creating proper mailboxes instead
Forwarded Mail Delayed
Possible causes include:
- spam filtering
- remote mail server delays
- DNS propagation
Mailbox Storage Full
Large catch-all mailboxes may fill quickly if spam increases.
Delete unnecessary email regularly.
Security Tips
- Monitor spam regularly
- Use strong mailbox passwords
- Avoid relying entirely on catch-all mailboxes
- Remove unused mailboxes
- Keep spam filtering enabled
