A default destination is the inbox that new aliases forward to when no destination is selected during alias creation. This page covers how to change the default destination, how to confirm the change, and what the change means for new and existing aliases.
A destination must already exist before it can be set as the default. Adding a destination is covered in Adding a destination. The change takes effect for future aliases only. Existing aliases keep their assigned destinations.
Setting the default destination#
The default destination is changed from the main Destinations page.
- Go to Destinations.
- Find the destination to set as the default in the destination list.
- Open its menu (three dots).
- Choose Set as default.
The destination choice during alias creation is covered in How to Set Up an Email Alias (In About Two Minutes).
Confirming the change#
The star icon on the destination list marks the current default. After choosing Set as default, return to the destination list and check that the star sits next to the intended destination. The Settings tab also shows the current default at a glance, but changing the default still requires the main Destinations page, as described in Destinations in Settings.
Effect on new and existing aliases#
New aliases forward automatically to the default destination when no destination is picked during alias creation. If an alias's assigned destination is removed, that alias stops forwarding until it is individually reassigned to a working destination. Changing or setting a default does not rescue existing aliases and does not reassign them. See Removing a Destination. Each alias forwards to its assigned destination, as described in What Is a Destination?.
A change of default applies to future aliases only. Existing aliases continue forwarding to the destinations they were assigned, and changing the default does not reassign them. A change of default therefore never redirects mail for aliases that already exist.
How do I move an existing alias to the new default?#
Edit that alias individually from Aliases. Changing the default does not move existing aliases, so each alias that should use the new default needs its own edit.
Requirement for a default destination#
A default destination is always required. A destination cannot lose default status until another destination is set as the default. If only one destination exists, that destination is the default by definition and cannot be unset.
Setting the inbox that receives most mail as the default removes the need to select a destination during alias creation. For the removal process, see Removing a Destination.
Troubleshooting#
- The star icon still sits on the old destination. Repeat the steps on the main Destinations page and confirm the star has moved. The Settings tab shows the current default but does not change it.
- An existing alias still forwards to the old destination. That is expected behaviour, not an error. The default applies to future aliases only, so the alias needs an individual edit from Aliases to move it.
- Only one destination is listed. That destination is already the default by definition. Add another destination before a different default can be chosen.
How do I confirm which destination is the current default?#
Check the star icon on the destination list. The destination marked with the star is the current default, and the Settings tab shows the same current default at a glance.