Three Tools, Three Jobs
cPanel gives you three simple tools that solve very common business email needs without creating extra mailboxes. Understanding the difference saves storage and confusion.
Forwarders
A forwarder sends a copy of incoming mail to another address. For example, mail sent to billing@yourdomain.in can be forwarded to your accountant at a personal Gmail address. To set one up, open Forwarders in cPanel, click Add Forwarder, enter the address to forward and the destination. Important points:
- A forwarder can exist with or without a real mailbox. If a mailbox also exists, you can choose to keep a copy locally.
- Do not forward to free mail services for sensitive data such as invoices with bank details; keep that mail on your own domain.
- Forwarding loops, where two addresses forward to each other, cause bounces. Check destinations carefully.
Aliases
An alias is an alternate name for the same mailbox, such as sales@ and enquiry@ both delivering to one inbox. In cPanel this is done with a forwarder that points to a local mailbox. Aliases are ideal for printing multiple addresses on visiting cards while your team watches a single inbox.
Autoresponders
An autoresponder sends an automatic reply to anyone who emails a mailbox. Typical uses are Diwali holiday closures, staff on leave, or an acknowledgement on a support address. In cPanel open Autoresponders, click Add, choose the mailbox, write the subject and message, and set a start and stop date so it switches off automatically.
Tips
- Always set an end date on leave autoresponders so they do not run for weeks after the person returns.
- Mention an alternate contact number in the auto reply so urgent customers are not stuck.
- Test each forwarder by sending a message from an outside address, not from the same domain.
If a forwarder or autoresponder is not working, raise a ticket from app.techguru.co.in with the exact addresses involved.
