Address created
The page generates the address, access token, and expiration time. The initial lifetime is 3 hours, and the countdown starts immediately.
LIFETIME REFERENCE
Temporary email starts at 3 hours and lasts no more than 24 hours
The countdown shows how long this address can still receive and display messages. Refreshing does not reset the timer, extensions are limited by the maximum lifetime, and changing addresses starts a new short-term task.
One address, from start to finish
The clock starts when the address is created—not when the first email arrives.
Receive and read email
While the address is active, senders can deliver messages, and you can refresh the list and open them. Closing the tab does not pause the timer.
Extend when needed
You can add 3 hours while waiting for an email, but all extensions combined are capped at 24 hours from creation.
Address and access end
Once the countdown reaches zero, do not rely on the address to receive mail. Older messages may also become inaccessible. Save anything important beforehand.
How four actions affect the timer
| Action | Does the address change? | What happens to the countdown? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refresh inbox | No change | Keeps counting down | Checks for new mail only; does not add time |
| Refresh browser | Usually restores the same address | Continues based on the actual elapsed time | Requires the local session to remain available and unexpired |
| Extend by 3 hours | No change | Adds time, subject to the 24-hour maximum | Useful when the sender has confirmed delivery but the message is still pending |
| Change address | Generates a new address | The new task starts with the default lifetime | Do not continue waiting for mail at the old address |
When to extend and when to start fresh
Extend the current address
The sender already has the address and the email is simply delayed, or a download link will be generated later. Keeping the address prevents late messages from going to an inbox no one checks.
Create a new address
The current task is complete, the address was entered incorrectly, or you are starting a completely different signup. A new address keeps the two tasks from sharing the same receiving identity.
Use a forwarding alias instead
You expect to need more than 24 hours, recover the account later, or keep receiving notifications. Ongoing communication should not depend on repeatedly extending a temporary address.
Use a long-term email address
For financial, medical, government, or essential account-recovery matters. Temporary tools and short-lived records should never be your only channel.
Before expiration: a final checklist
Save essential information
Use verification codes in the current flow, and save any text or attachments you need to keep. Do not assume you can recover them after the address expires.
Update the email on long-term accounts
If a temporary signup becomes a long-term account, switch to a forwarding alias or permanent email while you can still log in, then complete verification.
Check for pending messages
Check the sender’s status and expected delivery time. If the message is still queued, extend the address instead of suddenly switching to a new one.
Separate the next task
Use a new address for a new website or test to reduce the chance of different services linking you through the same address.
Common misunderstandings about email lifetime
The timer starts when the first email arrives
Incorrect. Time starts when the address is created. Incoming mail does not pause or reset the countdown.
Refreshing the page gives you another 3 hours
Incorrect. Refreshing restores the same address and its actual remaining time; it does not create a new one.
You can use it forever by continually extending it
Incorrect. The total lifetime is capped at 24 hours. For ongoing mail, choose a forwarding identity instead.