How do I reduce spam with SpamAssassin in DirectAdmin?

SpamAssassin scores incoming email and filters out likely spam. Enabling and tuning it in DirectAdmin keeps your inbox cleaner. Here is how to set it up.

Enabling SpamAssassin #

1. Log in to DirectAdmin (usually yourdomain.com:2222).
2. Go to Account Manager or E-mail Manager and click SpamAssassin (or “Spam Filters”).
3. Turn SpamAssassin on.
4. Save your settings.

Setting the spam score #

• The score sets how strict filtering is. A lower number is stricter.
• A score around 5 is a common starting point.
• If too much real mail is flagged, raise the number slightly.
• If too much spam gets through, lower it.

Choosing what happens to spam #

• Tag it: add a label like [SPAM] to the subject and deliver it anyway.
• Move it: send flagged mail to a spam folder.
• Delete it: discard high-scoring spam automatically (use with care).

Whitelist and blacklist #

• Whitelist: always allow specific senders or domains.
• Blacklist: always block specific senders or domains.
• Add addresses in the SpamAssassin settings and save.

Tips #

• Start with tagging rather than deleting, so you can review results.
• Whitelist trusted contacts to avoid missing important mail.
• Review your spam folder occasionally for false positives.

Troubleshooting #

• Real mail flagged: raise the score and whitelist the sender.
• Spam still arriving: lower the score gradually.
• Missing mail: avoid auto-delete until you trust the settings.

Need help? #

Our support team can help you find the right spam settings for your mailbox over live chat.