---
title: "How do I create an email catch-all address in DirectAdmin?"
description: "A catch-all address collects any email sent to your domain that does not match an existing mailbox, for example messages to a misspelled or unused address. It ensures you never miss mail, though it should be used thoughtfully to avoid…"
url: "https://disoh.com/support/how-do-i-create-an-email-catch-all-address-in-directadmin/"
updated: "2026-07-22"
category: Webhosting
---

# How do I create an email catch-all address in DirectAdmin?

A catch-all address collects any email sent to your domain that does not match an existing mailbox, for example messages to a misspelled or unused address. It ensures you never miss mail, though it should be used thoughtfully to avoid spam. This guide explains how to set it up in DirectAdmin.

## What a catch-all does

If someone emails *saels@yourdomain.com* when you only have *sales@*, a catch-all can still deliver that message rather than bouncing it. You choose where these stray messages go.

## Setting up the catch-all

1. Log in to DirectAdmin.
2. Go to **E-mail Manager** and open **Catch-All E-mail**.
3. Choose an option: send to a specific address, ignore/blackhole, or bounce (fail).
4. If forwarding, enter the destination mailbox.
5. Save.

## Choosing the right option

- **Address:** deliver stray mail to a chosen mailbox. Good for catching genuine typos.
- **Ignore (blackhole):** silently discard it. Reduces spam but you see nothing.
- **Fail:** bounce it back to the sender, which is often the cleanest choice.

## A note on spam

A catch-all set to deliver everything can attract spam, since spammers guess random addresses. Many people prefer "fail" and simply create the specific addresses they need. If you do use a delivery catch-all, pair it with good spam filtering.

## Troubleshooting

- **Too much spam:** switch the catch-all to fail and create real addresses instead.
- **Expected mail not caught:** confirm the catch-all is set to an address you check.

## Need help?

If you are unsure how to configure your catch-all, our support team can advise over live chat.