How to generate a “fake” email address that actually receives mail

People search for “fake email” when they want to sign up without giving away their real address. The catch is that most signups send a verification message — so the address has to actually receive mail.

The two meanings

• Made up and non-existent. Looks like [email protected]. It will fail verification and some services will flag the account.
• Disposable but real. A working inbox that is not linked to your identity. This is what you actually want.

How to get the second kind

1. Open the TMPMailer inbox — an address is generated instantly.
2. Paste it into the signup form.
3. Read the verification message and confirm.

No account, no password, and the address stops being useful once you are done with it.

One warning

Do not use a throwaway address for accounts that matter. If you would be upset to lose access tomorrow, use an address you control. “Fake” is fine for a trial; it is the wrong tool for a bank, a marketplace seller account, or anything with a payment method attached.