Quick answer
Default Address controls mail sent to addresses that do not otherwise exist on a domain. A catch-all can collect large amounts of spam; choose its behavior deliberately.
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
- Open Email > Default Address and select the intended domain. Record the existing action.
- Choose the rejection or forwarding behavior your domain needs. If forwarding, enter a real destination with enough storage and check for loops.
- Save with Change. This does not change the default sender in an email app or create individual mailboxes.
Check the result
Test one nonexistent address and one valid mailbox separately. Confirm each follows the intended rule.
Troubleshooting and support
Unexpected catch-all mail may fill the account even when named mailboxes are small. Review the default action and storage rather than deleting valid mailboxes.
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 pipe unrouted emails to a specific script in cPanel
Official references
Written content reviewed November 1, 2026. Menu availability depends on the product version, permissions and service.
