How to set up an alias with ExpressMailGuard

Person navigating the ExpressMailGuard dashboard on a laptop — (Image credit: ExpressVPN)

ExpressMailGuard is one of four new apps launched by ExpressVPN, turning it from one of the best VPNs into a complete privacy suite.

ExpressKeys, ExpressAI, Identity Defender, and ExpressMailGuard now have their own dedicated apps, and ExpressMailGuard is included in every level of ExpressVPN subscription at no extra cost.

If you want to keep your email private and reduce spam and scam messages, ExpressMailGuard could be for you. It has been described as "a VPN for email" and allows you to create an alias address, keeping your true email address hidden – here's how to set one of these aliases up.

First off, you'll need an active ExpressVPN subscription. ExpressMailGuard is included in all tiers of ExpressVPN plans, with the premium plans unlocking more MailGuard features.

With ExpressVPN Basic you'll get unlimited email aliases, one dedicated sub domain, 10 shared aliases, one real email address recipient, 25 daily anonymous replies, and a 10 MB bandwidth limit.

Two-year ExpressVPN plans work out the cheapest per month, and three tiers of plan are available:

ExpressVPN Basic: $3.49 per month ($97.72 upfront pre-tax) + 4 months free
ExpressVPN Advanced: $4.49 per month ($125.72 upfront pre-tax) + 4 months free
ExpressVPN Pro: $7.49 per month ($209.72 upfront pre-tax) + 4 months free

ExpressVPN pricing table screenshot — **Image: Premium ExpressVPN plans unlock more ExpressMailGuard features** (Image credit: Future)

Once signed up, log into your ExpressVPN and click the ExpressMailGuard link on the left hand side of your home screen.

ExpressVPN account screenshot — (Image credit: Future)

Enter your recipient email address

After clicking on the ExpressMailGuard link, you'll be greeted by the app's dashboard. Before setting up an alias, you'll need to enter your real email address the alias will forward emails to.

Click Recipients in the sidebar, select Add, and enter your desired email address. You'll need to verify this email via a verification link. You should receive this email within a minute or so but it can take longer. Once verified, return to ExpressMailGuard to create your alias. You'll see a green "verified" badge next to your email address.

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ExpressMailGuard recipient screenshot — (Image credit: Future)

Choose your alias type

Head back to the dashboard and click Aliases. There are three types of alias to choose from: Shared Domain Alias, Dedicated Subdomain Alias, and Custom Domain Alias.

Shared Domain Alias is by far the easiest way of creating an alias, and what I'll be talking you through here.

Dedicated Subdomain allows you to create your own subdomain for aliases to live under. You'll need to create your subdomain first and then you can create, and auto-create, unlimited aliases to operate under these subdomains.

I found Custom Domain Alias to be confusing and complicated to set up. I wouldn't recommend it for most people. ExpressMailGuard doesn't provide much help in setting the domain up – it simply directs you to an article on its website.

ExpressMailGuard alias types screenshot — (Image credit: Future)

Create your alias name

After selecting Shared Domain Alias, you'll be greeted by a list of shared domains, which ExpressVPN says provides "maximum privacy." It doesn't matter which domain you pick, they'll all do the same job.

You can then choose your alias name. You can choose from random characters, numbers, or words, or write your own alias. If you'd like to add your recipient email address at this stage, you can.

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ExpressMailGuard alias creation screenshot — (Image credit: Future)

Once you're happy, click Create Alias and your new alias will appear on the screen. Head back to the dashboard and select Aliases to view your newly created email address.

ExpressMailGuard aliases dashboard screenshot — (Image credit: Future)

Manage your aliases

A green dot next to the address will show it's active, and you'll see the real email address it's forwarding to. There's a counter for the number of Forwards, Blocks, Replies, and Sends, as well as an active/inactive toggle switch.

ExpressMailGuard multiple aliases screenshot — (Image credit: Future)

Aliases created under a different shared domain will appear in a separate block. Selecting an alias allows you to edit the recipient, and deactivate, forget, or delete the alias.

If you receive spam to the address, ExpressVPN recommends deleting the alias. If you click the report spam button, it can cause problems with ExpressMailGuard's delivery system.

ExpressMailGuard spam warning screenshot — (Image credit: Future)

10, 50, or unlimited shared aliases can be created depending on your ExpressVPN subscription. But unlimited aliases can be created under your subdomain on all plans.

Aliases in action

You can use your alias to sign up for newsletters, enter competitions, or just about any scenario where you don't want to give out your real email address.

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Screenshot of ExpressMailGuard in action — (Image credit: Future)

Any emails received by your alias will be automatically forwarded to your real email address for review. You may find they arrive in your spam folder. In my testing, some came straight to my inbox, others to my spam folder.

To reply to an email using your alias, click reply as you normally would and type and send your response.

You can now freely use, create, and edit your aliases as you see fit – keeping your real email hidden and protecting your privacy.

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

George is a Staff Writer at Tom's Guide, covering VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity news. He is especially interested in digital rights and censorship, and its interplay with politics. Outside of work, George is passionate about music, Star Wars, and Karate.

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Enter your recipient email address

Choose your alias type

Create your alias name

Manage your aliases

Aliases in action