Source: https://once-email.com/faq

# Temporary email questions, answered

Once Email creates temporary addresses for receiving messages and verification codes without registration. It cannot send email. Review these answers before using a temporary address for a service.

### What is a temporary email address?

Once Email creates a temporary address for receiving email messages and verification codes. It can reduce disclosure of your regular address, but it does not guarantee anonymity or delivery and does not provide SMS codes.

### How is a temporary inbox different from regular email?

A temporary inbox is for short-lived receiving. A regular email account supports ongoing communication and recovery. Once Email does not send, reply to or forward email.

[Choose an address: temporary, alias or permanent](<https://once-email.com/blog/email-address-types>)

### How long does the inbox remain available?

Choose 10 minutes, one hour or one day for the next inbox. The current inbox follows the expiry time shown by the service. Refreshing or changing this preference does not extend its lifetime.

[Inbox lifetime and recovery guide](<https://once-email.com/blog/readbook>)

### Can I send email from Once Email?

No. Once Email receives email only. It does not send, reply to, forward or provide SMTP sending.

### Is a temporary inbox safe to use?

Use it only for low-risk, short-lived messages. It does not guarantee anonymity, safe messages or safe attachments. Use a lasting address for finance, health, work and accounts that depend on email recovery.

[Temporary email safety and limits](<https://once-email.com/blog/temporary-email-threat-model>)

### When is a temporary inbox useful?

It can suit a permitted one-time download or low-risk confirmation, and email tests on systems you own or are authorized to test. Use a lasting address if you need replies, receipts or future access.

### Can I use it for a social media account?

Only if the service permits temporary addresses and losing access will not matter. If you need account recovery or ongoing notifications, use a lasting address. Do not bypass another service’s rules.

[Why websites reject temporary addresses](<https://once-email.com/blog/why-sites-reject-disposable-email>)

### Can an expired or deleted inbox be recovered?

Do not rely on recovery after expiry or deletion. Before expiry, move important accounts to a lasting address. Keep any necessary information private and delete the temporary inbox when finished.

### Does a temporary address hide my personal information?

It can keep your regular email address out of a form, but it does not hide your identity or guarantee privacy. Messages can contain personal data, and service and network systems process technical data. Read the Privacy Policy and avoid sensitive mail.

[Privacy](<https://once-email.com/privacy>)

### Can I receive attachments?

Accepted attachments may be downloaded within service limits. Once Email receives and provides downloads but does not preview or unpack attachments, inspect archive contents or certify file safety.

[Attachment safety and size guide](<https://once-email.com/blog/attachment-safety-checklist>)

### Are received messages subject to limits?

Yes. Receiving is subject to service resource limits, abuse controls and the inbox lifetime. Receiving messages or checking the inbox does not consume the address creation or switching allowance.

### Are there message or attachment size limits?

Yes. Both the sender and receiver apply limits. The whole message includes headers, body and encoded attachments, so a file’s size alone does not establish whether delivery will succeed. Check the attachment guidance before use.

[Attachment safety and size guide](<https://once-email.com/blog/attachment-safety-checklist>)

### Why has a message not arrived?

Check the exact address, current expiry time and the sender’s status first. Mail may be delayed or rejected. Wait before one controlled resend; if the website rejects temporary addresses, use an address it permits instead of repeatedly switching.

[Troubleshoot missing verification email](<https://once-email.com/blog/anxiety>)

### Can I use Once Email on mobile?

Yes, in a supported mobile browser. The same receive-only, expiry and safety limits apply. Keep access to the current browser session while waiting for mail; do not rely on an expired inbox for recovery.