Default Address & Catch-All
The default address, also called the catch-all, decides what happens to email sent to an address on your domain that does not exist. Configuring it correctly keeps your inbox tidy and your domain protected from a flood of spam.
What the Default Address Is
When someone sends mail to a mailbox that has never been created on your domain — a typo like [email protected], or a made-up address — the default address determines its fate. You configure it in the Email section of cPanel under Default Address.
Opening Default Address Settings
- Log into cPanel and scroll to the Email section.
- Click Default Address.
- Select the domain you want to configure from the dropdown.
Your Options
- Discard with an error to the sender (recommended) — Rejects the message and returns a bounce so the sender knows the address is invalid. This is the safest choice.
- Forward to an email address — Delivers all unmatched mail to a mailbox you specify.
- Pipe to a program — Sends the mail to a script for custom processing (advanced use only).
Discarding with an Error (Recommended)
- On the Default Address page, choose Discard with error to sender.
- Enter a short failure message, such as
No such person at this address. - Click Change to save.
The Risk of a Forwarding Catch-All
If you do set the catch-all to forward, watch the destination mailbox closely — it can fill quickly with junk and may push you over your mailbox quota.
Catch-All vs Forwarders
The default address handles mail for any non-existent mailbox at once. If you only want to redirect a few specific addresses, create individual forwarders instead — they are far more precise and avoid the spam problem entirely. See Forwarders & Aliases for how to set those up.