Gmail + Power Tip: One inbox, multiple accounts

productivity

Gmail + Trick for Email Management

Gmail treats dots and plus signs in email addresses in a special way that you can use to your advantage:

All these emails go to the same inbox:

  • john.doe@gmail.com
  • johndoe@gmail.com (dots ignored)
  • john.doe+github@gmail.com (+ and everything after ignored)

Track Email Sources

Register for services using the + trick to trace emails back to their source:

  • yourname+tiktok@gmail.com for TikTok
  • yourname+netflix@gmail.com for Netflix
  • yourname+shopping@gmail.com for online stores

If you get spam at yourname+tiktok@gmail.com, you know exactly who sold your email.

Multiple Accounts, One Inbox

Create multiple accounts for the same service using one Gmail address:

  • yourname+work@gmail.com for work-related signups
  • yourname+personal@gmail.com for personal accounts
  • yourname+testing@gmail.com for development/testing

Set Up Gmail Filters

Automatically organize emails from your + addresses:

  1. Go to Gmail Settings → Filters and Blocked Addresses
  2. Create filter for emails sent to yourname+work@gmail.com
  3. Apply labels, skip inbox, or forward to another account

Pro Tips

  • Keep a spreadsheet of which + addresses you use where
  • Use descriptive names: +amazonprime instead of just +amazon
  • Mix with dots: your.name+service@gmail.com works too
  • Case doesn't matter: YourName@gmail.com = yourname@gmail.com
Share: