Both reduce exposure of your real email, but they solve problems on different timelines. Answer four questions first to avoid using a temporary address as a permanent identity.
No sign-in required. Messages are kept for 3 hours by default, extendable to a maximum of 24 hours. Read mail directly on the web; attachments are not retained.
Create a stable address after signing in with an email code. Incoming mail goes to your real inbox, with forwarding history kept on the web for 30 days.
If the answer is “yes” or “not sure,” choose an alias or a long-term email instead.
Don't use a temporary address for password resets, orders, or benefits you may need to recover.
Use a forwarding alias for trusted business attachments, and a protected long-term email for sensitive files.
Create a separate alias for each sender, so pausing one won't affect your other addresses.
A temporary inbox is built for a “quick finish”; an alias is built for “long-term separation.” One focuses on countdowns and replacement, while the other emphasizes sign-in, status controls, and archiving.
| Capability | Temporary inbox | Forwarding alias |
|---|---|---|
| How it starts | No sign-in required | Sign in with an email code |
| Address lifetime | 3–24 hours | Until you delete it |
| Where you read mail | MyTempBox website | Real inbox + web archive |
| Web archive | Expires with the inbox | Up to 30 days |
| Attachments | Not retained | Forwarded by size tier |
| Controls | Replace the address or extend its lifetime | Copy, pause, resume, or delete |
You only need one download link, and won't rely on this address to recover anything important later. When you're done, let the address expire naturally.
The address needs to stay reachable, but you don't want to publish your main inbox. If harassment starts, pause just that alias.
These accounts involve identity, finances, and long-term recovery. Use a protected long-term email and enable multi-factor authentication.
Create a temporary inbox for short-term needs; for ongoing needs, sign in to the workspace and create a dedicated alias.
Use a temporary inbox Open the forwarding workspace