How to Check the Validity of an Email Address

Check to be sure an email is valid.

When you get an email address, one of the things to check is that it is valid. If you intend to send a message to someone, or use the email address in an email list, a valid email is important because valid emails won't bounce. There are several ways to check that an email address is valid before you add it to your list or put it permanently into your address book.

Instructions

1. Send a test messages to the email address. This is the easiest and quickest way to make sure it is valid. If the message bounces and comes back as undeliverable, the email is not valid. If you hear back from the person, or if you don't get any reply, you can assume it is valid.

2. Download an email validation program. This program will scour the Internet for the email address and make sure it is valid. There are lots of email validation programs, but some are listed under Resources for you.

3. Type the email address into the address bar of a search engine to see if the email address is listed anywhere online. If you can find it on someone's site or listed with a business or school website, it has a good chance of being valid.

Resources

• Website Pulse: Email Validation
• Haacked: Email Validation
• Smart Webby: Email Validation