How to create an email alias
Three ways: from the dashboard (manual, controlled), inline via the browser extension (one click on any signup form), or programmatically via the REST API (Premium). Pick whichever fits the task.
Method 1: From the dashboard
The straightforward path. Best when you want to label and configure the alias before handing it out.
- 1
Sign in to your dashboard
Go to emailalias.io and sign in. New users sign up first — magic link to your real inbox, no password.
- 2
Open the Aliases page
From the dashboard, click Aliases in the top nav. You'll see your existing aliases (zero on first run).
- 3
Click "Create Alias"
Pick a label (something memorable like "shopping" or "netflix"), choose a domain (the shared @emailalias.io or one of your verified custom domains), and optionally set an outbound display name for Premium users.
- 4
Copy the address
The new alias appears in your list. Click to copy it to your clipboard, then paste it into the service's signup form.
Method 2: Inline via the browser extension
The fastest path. Use this when you're already on a signup form and don't want to leave the tab.
- 1
Install the browser extension
Add EmailAlias to Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Vivaldi, or Arc from the official store. The icon appears in your toolbar.
- 2
Sign in once
Click the extension icon and sign in — magic link (free) or paste an API key (Premium). The extension caches your alias list locally so it's instant on future visits.
- 3
Visit any signup form
Navigate to any site's signup page. The extension watches for email-input fields.
- 4
Click the inline badge
A small purple-circle badge appears next to the email field. Click it once: a fresh alias is generated, copied to your clipboard, and inserted into the field. Done.
Detailed install guide: browser-extension.
Method 3: Programmatically via the REST API
For automation: bulk-creating aliases, integrating with internal tooling, or having an AI assistant manage your inbox. Premium feature.
- 1
Create an API key (Premium)
In the dashboard, go to Settings → API Keys → Create. Copy the ea_live_ token — it's shown once.
- 2
POST to /api/aliases
Send an authenticated HTTP POST with alias_type, label, and (optional) domain_id. Bearer-token auth in the Authorization header.
- 3
Use the returned address
The response contains the new alias address. Hand it to a customer signup flow, an internal tool, or wherever you need a programmatic email mask.
curl -X POST https://emailalias.io/api/aliases \
-H "Authorization: Bearer ea_live_…" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{"alias_type":"random","label":"newsletter"}'Full API reference: /documentation · MCP server for AI assistants: /ai-integration.
Common mistakes to avoid
First-time alias users tend to make the same handful of mistakes. Save yourself the rework.
Using temp-mail instead of an alias
Temp-mail inboxes expire and get blocked by signup forms. Aliases are permanent, private, and accepted everywhere. If you want "hide my address" without losing the account later, you want an alias.
Reusing one alias for multiple services
The whole point is one alias per service. Reusing collapses your attribution — you can't tell who leaked you, and disabling the alias kills all services on it at once.
Not labeling aliases
An unlabeled @emailalias.io address is useless six months later when you're trying to remember why it exists. Label every alias with the service name on creation. Future you will thank you.
Putting a custom-domain alias on a domain whose DNS you don't control
Custom-domain aliases need TXT, MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records verified. If you can't add DNS records to the domain, you can't use it — stick to the shared @emailalias.io domain.
Frequently asked questions
How do I create my first alias?
Sign up for a free account, and you can generate your first alias instantly from the dashboard. Simply click "Create Alias," choose a label (like "shopping" or "newsletter"), and your new encrypted alias is ready to use.
What is an encrypted email alias?
An email alias is a unique forwarding address that shields your real email. When someone sends mail to your alias, it's encrypted and forwarded to your real inbox. The sender never sees your actual email address, protecting you from spam, phishing, and data breaches.
Is there a limit on how many aliases I can create?
Free users get up to 10 aliases. Premium users enjoy unlimited aliases (with a fair-use soft cap), plus custom domains, send & reply, exposure analytics, priority forwarding, and stricter spam filtering.
Can I generate email aliases in bulk?
Yes, via the REST API on Premium. POST /api/aliases with alias_type and label generates one alias; loop it for as many as you need. Common bulk-generation use cases: marketplace listings (one alias per ad), security testing, A/B email-flow testing, and per-customer aliases on a custom domain. The MCP server lets AI assistants like Claude Desktop and Cursor call the same endpoint conversationally.
Is there a free plan?
Yes. Our free plan includes 10 encrypted aliases, basic spam blocking, basic leak detection, and email forwarding. No credit card required.
Create your first alias in 30 seconds
The free tier includes 10 aliases and basic forwarding. No credit card.