When you start shopping for builders, display homes and finance, your inbox gets flooded. We use addy.io daily for this: a separate alias for each builder, supplier and lender, so we can see who passed our address on, and switch that alias off. addy.io (formerly AnonAddy) is a private email relay service that keeps your real email address hidden. Here's how it works and whether it's worth it.
What is addy.io (AnonAddy)?
addy.io creates unique email aliases that forward to your real inbox. You give the alias to a website or business, and your actual address is never exposed. If an alias gets compromised or starts attracting spam, you deactivate it.
Benefits of Using a Private Email Relay
Masking your real address with aliases reduces the damage from data breaches and makes it harder for your details to be sold to spammers. It also makes phishing easier to spot: if an email claiming to be from your bank arrives on the alias you gave your builder, you know something's off.
Getting Started with addy.io
Getting started is straightforward. Register on the addy.io website and choose a username, which forms part of every alias you create on the free plan, so pick something that suits your privacy needs and is easy to remember.
Then choose the default domain used to create your aliases. We also recommend turning on two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account, as you should on all your online accounts.
Once your account is set up, you can start creating aliases that forward to your real inbox. The free plan has a limited number of aliases and forwarding bandwidth; paid plans add more of both, plus features like custom domains.
addy.io also provides on-the-fly alias creation, which allows you to generate new aliases instantly without logging into your account. This feature is particularly useful when signing up for new services or interacting with websites that require an email address.
Creating, Managing and Using Aliases
Create a separate alias for each purpose: online shopping, newsletters, your builder, your bank. That way you can see exactly where each email came from.
Paid plan option: on a paid plan you can add your own custom domain (with some simple DNS record updates pointing it to addy.io) and create aliases using your own domain name.
You can label and organise aliases to keep things tidy, and deactivate any alias that starts receiving spam or is no longer needed, without touching your real address.
Bandwidth and Usage Considerations
The free plan has a monthly cap on forwarding bandwidth, which can run out if you receive a lot of email. Keep an eye on your usage and upgrade if you regularly hit the limit.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
The free plan's bandwidth cap can be restrictive if you get a lot of email. Managing lots of aliases can get confusing if you don't label them, and custom domains need a paid plan. On mobile, the Android app is made by a third-party developer and is paid on Google Play.
Conclusion
Our verdict: addy.io suits anyone who wants to control who has their email address, and it's especially handy when you're dealing with a lot of builders, suppliers and lenders at once. The free plan covers most people; paid plans add custom domains and more bandwidth. The main drawback is the free bandwidth cap if you receive a lot of email.
FAQs
Q1: What is addy.io?
A: addy.io, formerly known as AnonAddy, is a private email relay service that allows you to create unique email aliases, which forward emails to your real inbox without revealing your actual email address.
Q2: Is addy.io free?
A: Yes, addy.io offers a free plan with limited bandwidth and features. There are also paid plans available that offer more bandwidth, custom domains, and other advanced features.
Q4: Can I create custom email aliases?
A: Yes, you can create custom aliases, and if you're on a paid plan, you can also use your own domain.
Q6: Are there any limitations on the free plan?
A: The free plan has limitations on bandwidth and the number of aliases you can create. For more extensive use, upgrading to a paid plan is recommended.
Q9: Who would benefit most from using addy.io?
A: Anyone concerned about online privacy, avoiding spam, or looking to organise their email communications would find addy.io beneficial.
Additional Reading
Anthony Painter
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