Billions of Google users have ‘hidden’ email addresses – check your inbox now for huge free upgrade
MISTYPING an email address isn’t always the end of the world but it does depend on what extra symbols you add.
Google has revealed to Gmail users that their email addresses can be added to with no consequences but there’s an important catch.
The catch is you can only add dots.
Google explains: “If someone accidentally adds dots to your address when emailing you, you’ll still get that email.
“For example, if your email is johnsmith@gmail.com, you own all dotted versions of your address.”
This means the John Smith address would also work as “jo.hn.sm.ith@gmail.com” and “j.o.h.n.s.m.i.t.h@gmail.com”.
So, if you think your current email address is boring, that can be a fun way to switch it up.
The dot feature means your email address is unique and no one can copy it just by adding a dot.
This is useful for many reasons including that cyber criminals can’t simply add a dot to create convincing scam email addresses.
However, there is an important warning that some users need to be aware of.
Google notes: “If you use Gmail through work, school, or other organization (like yourdomain.com or yourschool.edu), dots do change your address.
“To change the dots in your username, contact your admin.”
If you do design to add dots to your email address, your emails will still be secure.
Google reassures Gmail users: “Your account is still private and secure.
“Emails sent to any dotted version of your address will only go to you.”