Frequently asked questions.
How temporary mail works here, and where the limits are.
Getting started
What is a temporary mailbox?
It is an email address you use to receive messages for a limited time. TempMailboxes is receive-only, so you cannot send or reply to email from it.
Do I need to sign up to get a free mailbox?
No. You can create up to five public mailboxes without an account. Save the address if you want to return to it, and remember that anyone who knows a public address may view its mail.
Can I receive verification codes?
Yes, if the sender accepts the address and delivers the message. Some websites reject disposable addresses, and we cannot override their rules. Avoid public mailboxes for sensitive codes because their contents are shared.
Is a public mailbox private?
No. Public mailboxes are shared by address. Use a private mailbox on an eligible paid plan for owner-only access. Neither type is a substitute for a long-term account or critical correspondence.
Time and plans
How long do mailboxes and messages last?
Free public mailboxes accept mail for seven days from their latest activity, and new messages are retained for seven days. Plus public mailboxes use 14 days for both. Other paid plans follow the limits shown on their plan. Each message's expiry is shown in the mailbox. Visiting a public mailbox can refresh its receiving window; it does not extend a message that has already arrived.
What changes when I choose a paid plan?
Eligible plans add private mailboxes and access to premium or verified custom domains. Mailbox counts and retention vary by plan. Check the plan comparison for the current limits before subscribing.
Can I use my own domain?
Yes, on plans that include custom domains. You must prove that you control the domain and configure its DNS records so incoming mail reaches TempMailboxes. See the plan limits for the number of custom domains allowed.
Developers
Is there an API?
Yes. Eligible Developer plans include API keys for mailbox and message operations. Usage counts toward the plan's API allowance. See the Developer guide for endpoints and examples.
Can an AI agent use TempMailboxes through MCP?
Developer Plus and Developer Pro include MCP access using a Developer API key. The hosted Streamable HTTP endpoint and local adapter are described in the MCP connection guide. MCP calls use the same API allowance.
Are the web subscription and Developer API plan the same?
No. Personal plans are intended for mailbox use in the website. Developer plans add API access, and Developer Plus and Pro add MCP. Compare the available features on the Developer pricing page.
Still have a question? Contact us.