Cold Mailing Glossary letter h

How to check if an email is valid

To check if an email is valid, you can follow these steps:

  • Format validation: Check if the email address is properly formatted. The basic format of an email address includes a username, the "@" symbol, and a domain name. For example, "[email protected]". Ensure there are no spaces, special characters, or missing elements in the email address.

 

  • Domain validation: Verify if the domain of the email address exists. This involves checking the domain's DNS records to ensure it is active and accepting email.

 

  • SMTP validation: Connect to the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) server of the email address domain and simulate sending an email. If the server responds positively, it indicates that the email address is valid.

 

  • Disposable email address check: Some services provide temporary or disposable email addresses. You can use online databases or APIs to check if the email address is associated with such services.

 

  • Role-based email check: Determine if the email address is a generic role-based address, such as "[email protected]" or "[email protected]". These addresses are often used for organizational purposes rather than personal communication.

 

  • Email pattern validation: Compare the email address against known patterns or common email address formats. While this method is not foolproof, it can help identify obvious invalid email addresses.

It's important to note that even if an email address passes these checks, it does not guarantee that the email is actively used or belongs to a specific individual.