Attachments not retained
Disposable inboxes are for reading short messages. They do not offer attachment downloads or long-term storage. If you need the file, use a trusted direct download link or a long-term email address.
Attachment limitsCheck whether an attachment is worth receiving
Check whether an attachment is worth receiving
before choosing an email option
Disposable inboxes are ideal for verification codes and plain-text links. Forwarding aliases handle ongoing conversations and file delivery. Size limits are only the first check—consider the source and intended use too.
Forward and temporarily store
A forwarding alias delivers the attachment to your destination inbox and provides an authenticated download link in the web archive for 30 days.
Forward only; no temporary storage
The attachment is still delivered to your real inbox, but the web archive keeps no copy. Messages larger than 100 MB are rejected.
Four questions before downloading
A familiar filename does not make a file safe
Attackers use ordinary-looking names for invoices, résumés, and archives. Before opening a file, confirm that you actually requested it, then check the sender’s domain and file type.
- Did I just request this file from a trusted website?
- Does the sender’s domain exactly match the official website?
- Is the extension expected, or is it disguised with a double extension?
- Does the file ask me to disable security software or enable macros?
Decision matrix
Choose the channel for the task, not the filename
| Task | Recommended channel | Reason | Before you leave |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-time verification code | Disposable inbox | Usually no attachment; only short-term access is needed | Leave after verification |
| Public information download link | Disposable inbox | You only need to open a trusted site link | Check the domain before visiting |
| Files from ongoing clients | Forwarding alias | Requires a stable address and storage in your destination inbox | Review the 30-day archive regularly |
| Contracts or identity documents | Protected long-term email | Sensitive content that must remain recoverable | Enable multifactor authentication |
| Unknown archive | Do not receive it | The source and intended use are unclear | Confirm independently with the sender |
Common misconceptions
An attachment reaching you does not mean it belongs in a temporary environment
Why don’t disposable inboxes provide attachments?
The goal of a short-term inbox is to reduce exposure and finish the task quickly. Attachments greatly increase the risks of malicious files, storage demands, and long-term retention, so temporary channels display message content only.
Does having no attachment in the web archive mean forwarding failed?
Not necessarily. Attachments between 50 and 100 MB are still forwarded to your real inbox by design; they simply are not saved on the website. Check the destination inbox for the complete message.
Can I use the 30-day archive as cloud storage?
No. The archive expires automatically and may become unavailable sooner for security reasons. Move legitimate files that require long-term storage to protected storage you control.
Need to receive trusted attachments regularly?
Use a forwarding alias to keep your public address separate from your real inbox.
Open the forwarding dashboard