How to pipe unrouted emails to a specific script in cPanel Print

Quick answer

A default-address pipe sends mail for otherwise unrecognized addresses to a program. Use it only for a maintained application that is designed to accept email on standard input.

Applies to

For an email-enabled Interactive Online cPanel service. If Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 or another provider handles the domain's mail, manage that service there. Confirm the domain and complete mailbox address first.

Steps

1. Back up the existing default-address setting and confirm that the application supports your account's PHP or script environment. Test the script without changing live mail routing first.
2. Open Email > Default Address and select the intended domain. Expand Advanced Options if that section is shown.
3. Choose Pipe to a Program and enter the account-relative script path required by the interface. Use the instructions for the installed application; a website URL is not a program path.
4. Save with Change. Avoid using a catch-all pipe when a forwarder for one specific address would meet the need.

Check the result

Send one controlled message to an otherwise unused address on that domain. Confirm the intended application receives it and check the sender for a delivery failure.

Troubleshooting and support

A permission, interpreter or exit-status error can reject mail. Restore the prior default-address setting if the application fails; do not make the script writable by everyone.

If the problem continues, contact support from the account that owns the service. Include the domain, exact error, time and time zone, tool name, and a redacted screenshot. Keep passwords, private keys, cookies and private message content out of the ticket.

Video tutorial

The original video is preserved. Its interface or product version may differ from the written guidance above.

Related help

• How to set a return to sender failure message for unrouted emails in cPanel
• How to set your default address in cPanel

Official references

• cPanel Default Address

Written content reviewed November 1, 2026. Menu availability depends on the product version, permissions and service.