{"id":82900,"date":"2024-11-20T21:13:02","date_gmt":"2024-11-20T21:13:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mailrelay.com\/glosario\/temporary-email\/"},"modified":"2026-10-07T14:27:26","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T14:27:26","slug":"temporary-email","status":"publish","type":"glossary","link":"https:\/\/mailrelay.com\/en\/glossary\/temporary-email\/","title":{"rendered":"Temporary email"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A temporary email, or temporary email address, is an address that is created instantly, without signing up, and stops working after a while.<\/strong> It lets you receive a one-off message, such as a verification code, without giving out your real email address<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

It is also called disposable or throwaway email. It is offered by specialized websites that generate a random address and show incoming messages on screen.<\/p>\n\n

How does a temporary email work?<\/h2>\n\n

The process is very simple:<\/p>\n\n

1. You go to a temporary email service.<\/strong> The website assigns you a random address, without asking for your name or a password.<\/p>\n\n

2. You use that address wherever it is requested.<\/strong> For example, in a sign-up form or to download a free resource.<\/p>\n\n

3. You read the message on the website itself.<\/strong> Emails arrive in a public or semi-public inbox, visible while the address is active.<\/p>\n\n

4. The address expires.<\/strong> Once the time is up, the address and the messages received are deleted.<\/p>\n\n

Most of these services can only receive email. You can’t use them to send messages or hold a conversation.<\/p>\n\n

\"Diagram<\/figure>\n\n

How long does a temporary email last?<\/h2>\n\n

It depends on the service. Some delete the address after 10 minutes, others keep it for a few hours or days, and a few let you extend the time manually.<\/p>\n\n

Keep in mind that, while it lasts, on many of these services anyone who knows the address can see the messages. That’s why you shouldn’t use it for anything involving personal data or passwords.<\/p>\n\n

Advantages and disadvantages<\/h2>\n\n
<\/th>Advantages<\/th>Disadvantages<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Privacy<\/td>You don’t give out your real address<\/td>Messages may be visible to others<\/td><\/tr>
Speed<\/td>Created in seconds, without signing up<\/td>It expires and you lose the messages<\/td><\/tr>
Spam<\/a><\/td>Your main inbox doesn’t receive advertising<\/td>You won’t be able to recover the account you signed up for<\/td><\/tr>
Access<\/td>Useful for one-off verifications<\/td>Many websites block these domains<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n

When to use a temporary email (and when not to)<\/h2>\n\n

It makes sense for:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n