How to create an email alias in Gmail: a complete step-by-step guide

Gmail is one of the most powerful and widely used email platforms in the world. It stands out not only for its simple design and integration with other Google tools, but also for the wide variety of features it offers. One of them, which many people are still unaware of, is the ability to create email aliases. These allow you to better manage your inbox, protect your primary account, or even give a more professional look if you use Google Workspace. If you've ever wondered how they are created, what they are for, or what their advantages are, keep reading because this will interest you.

In this article, we explain in detail what Gmail aliases are, how you can create them from both a personal account and Google Workspace, and give you useful tips on managing them. We'll also answer common questions and show you how to delete an alias if you no longer need it.

What is an email alias in Gmail?

An email alias in Gmail is basically a Additional address that allows you to send and/or receive emails from your main accountAlthough it may seem like a separate account, everything is actually managed from a single mailbox, making it easier to organize and control.

For example, if your primary address is user@gmail.com, you could use an alias like user+shopping@gmail.comAll emails addressed to that address will still be sent to your original account. This feature doesn't require creating a new account and is perfect for sorting messages by topic, filtering emails, subscribing to services, or simply keeping your primary address more private.

Advantages of using aliases in Gmail

Using aliases in Gmail has multiple benefits for both personal and professional users:

• Greater organization: Allows you to categorize emails and apply filters automatically.
• Enhanced Privacy: You can avoid giving your primary address in certain contexts, such as when registering on websites.
• Custom filters: Each alias can have specific tagging, archiving, or response rules.
• Professionalism: In companies, it allows you to manage communications from different addresses without the need for multiple accounts.

How to create an alias in a personal Gmail account

Creating an alias for a personal account is very simple and doesn't require administrator access. Gmail offers two main ways to do this.

1. Alias ​​with the + symbol

This is the fastest way to create a temporary alias. You just have to add a + followed by any text after your username. For example:

If your email is migue@gmail.com, you can use migue+eventos@gmail.comEmails sent to this address will also arrive in your inbox.

This is ideal for signing up for web services, newsletters, or promotions and then easily filtering that information. Learn more about managing your email in this article about solutions to Gmail not working.

2. Aliases to send emails from another address

If you want to send emails from a different address (whether it's another Gmail address, a custom domain, or another service like Outlook), you can do that too. Here are the steps:

• Open your Gmail account on a computer.
• Click on the gear icon and select See all settings.
• Go to the tab Accounts and import.
• In the section Send as:, Select Add another email address.
• Enter the name and email address you want to use as an alias.
• Click on Next step and then Send verification.
• Check the verification email that will arrive to your nickname, click the link, or enter the code.

Once confirmed, you will be able to select that alias from the field From: when composing a new email.

How to create aliases in Google Workspace (formerly G Suite)

In Google Workspace, aliases gain even more powerful functionality. They allow a user to receive emails from multiple addresses managed by an administrator, without the need to create additional accounts.

For example, a person can receive emails at both theiremail@company.com and info@company.com or sales@company.com, without paying extra or using multiple logins.

Steps for an administrator to create an alias for a user

• Log in to the Administration console from Google Workspace since admin.google.com.
• Go to Menu > Directory > Users.
• Click the name of the user you want to add the alias to.
• On the left side, select Add alternative emails.
• Enter the alias name (before the @).
• If your domain has more options, select the corresponding domain.
• press Save.

Important Note: Aliases created here can only be used by the specific user. They're not separate Google accounts, so they don't allow you to log in or use services like Drive separately.

Sending emails from an alias

Once the alias is created, the user can send emails from that address if they correctly configure their Gmail account.

This is done from:

• Gmail > Settings > Accounts and Import
• En Send as:, Click on Add another address of yours
• Enter the alias and configure the SMTP server (if external)

Gmail will send a verification message to the alias. After confirming, the user can select that address from the field. From: every time you want to send a message.

How to manage aliases from Gmail

Once you have several aliases set up, you can get even more out of them by using filters and labels. This will allow you to automatically organize incoming emails and avoid clutter in your inbox.

To create a filter:

• Tap the three-line icon at the end of the search bar.
• Enter the alias in the field To.
• Click on Create filter.
• Select whether you want to archive, label, mark as read, or categorize the message.

You can also enable the option to have Gmail always remember to use a specific sending address when replying to messages addressed to an alias.

Delete an alias from Gmail or Google Workspace

Deleting an alias is also possible, and the process varies depending on whether you're using a personal account or Google Workspace.

Delete an alias in personal Gmail

• Go to Gmail > Settings > Accounts & Import.
• Find the section Send as: and locate the alias.
• press Delete next to the alias you want to remove.

Delete an alias in Google Workspace

• Accede to admin.google.com.
• Go to Users and select the user.
• In the alternative emails section, locate the alias.
• Click on Remove and then Save.

Keep in mind that if the alias was created as a domain alias, you can't delete it for just one user. You'll need to remove it completely from the domain.

Additional tips to get the most out of them

In addition to filters and labels, there are some best practices you can follow to improve your experience with aliases:

• Check aliases from time to time and delete the ones you no longer use, especially if they were temporary.
• Change the signature of your emails according to the alias to maintain consistency in communication.
• Turn on two-step authentication to keep your account secure, even if you use aliases.
• Don't always share the alias if it's not necessary. The fewer sites that have your address, the less spam you'll receive.

Creating and managing email aliases in Gmail is an extremely useful tool that can make a huge difference in how you organize your inbox and protect your primary address. Whether you use a personal or professional account with Google Workspace, the steps to get started are simple and the benefits are significant. If you don't already use aliases, now's the perfect time to try them out and start getting the most out of your email.