An alias sends mail addressed to an additional name into an existing destination. Forwarding redirects a mailbox's incoming messages. An automatic reply sends a preset response. These functions serve different purposes and are available only when your hosting account permits them.
Control Center's Email page manages mail-only accounts and sign-in access. Routing, aliases, and auto-replies remain in Virtualmin. Open Hosting services → Manage website → Open Virtualmin, then select the intended domain before following these steps.
- Decide what should happen. For example,
sales@example.comcould deliver to a named colleague's mailbox. Write down the source address, destination, and whether a local copy must remain. - For an alias, select the domain in Virtualmin and open Edit Mail Aliases. Add a specific alias and choose the intended delivery destination. Check for an existing mailbox with the same name before saving. Avoid using an all-addresses catch-all just to support a few known addresses; Virtualmin explains its drawbacks in the catch-all guide.
- For an existing mailbox, open Edit Users, choose the user, and open Mail forwarding settings. Enable Forward to other addresses, add the destinations one per line, and review the local-delivery option before saving. Virtualmin forwarding guide
- For a vacation message, use the same mailbox settings and enable Send automatic reply. Enter a short message and save. If no end-date control is available, set yourself a reminder to disable it. Virtualmin auto-responder guide
- Test using a separate external mailbox. Check every destination and confirm local retention matches your intention.
Check the result: A single test should arrive where expected without repeatedly bouncing between addresses. Automatic replies may be suppressed for repeated senders or certain message types, depending on server settings.
Common problems: Forwarding to an address that forwards back creates a loop. External forwarding can encounter authentication or recipient filtering problems even when local delivery works. An alias alone does not provide a login, separate storage, or automatic permission to send as that address. Ask support about supported sending identities when needed.
Keep auto-replies free of sensitive travel or account information. Remove obsolete forwarding destinations when team responsibilities change.
Related: Create a mailbox, Email authentication, Delivery troubleshooting.
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