Updated January 2026.
If temp mail is not working (or your temporary inbox isn’t receiving emails), you’re not alone. Most failures come down to one of three things: sender delay, domain blocking, or a refresh/UX issue (especially on mobile).
If you need a working disposable inbox right now, start here: Anonibox temporary email generator. Generate an address, wait for the OTP/confirmation, then delete the inbox when you’re done.
Fast fix checklist (do this first)
Before you restart your signup flow, try these quick steps in order:
- Wait 60–90 seconds. Many platforms queue verification emails.
- Click “Resend code” once. Don’t spam resend—some sites throttle.
- Keep the inbox tab open. Mobile browsers can pause background refresh.
- Refresh the inbox page. Some temp inboxes don’t auto-update reliably.
- Generate a new address and retry. New signup → new inbox is often the fastest fix.
If you’re doing a low‑stakes signup, retrying with a fresh address on Anonibox is usually the fastest path.
Why temp mail stops working (the real reasons)
1) The sender delays the email
Verification emails aren’t always instant. Some platforms batch, queue, or throttle OTP delivery—especially if they suspect unusual activity (too many signups, too many resends, etc.).
2) The website blocks disposable email domains
Some sites reject temporary email domains to reduce automation and abuse. If the form accepts the email but the code never arrives, domain blocking is a common cause.
Best practice: if you might keep the account (password resets, receipts, access later), switch to an alias instead of disposable email: Email Alias (2025).
3) Public inbox patterns create collisions
Some temp email providers operate like public mailboxes (anyone who guesses the address can view it). That can cause confusion, collisions, or “missing email” assumptions if multiple people use similar inbox names.
4) Your browser tab is sleeping (mobile problem)
On iOS/Android, browser tabs can sleep aggressively. If you switch apps or lock your phone, the inbox may stop refreshing. Keep the temp inbox tab open and active until you get your code.
5) You’re using the wrong address or wrong tab
This one is painfully common: you copied one address, then generated a new one, but you’re watching the old inbox. Make sure the address in the signup form matches the inbox you’re viewing.
Step-by-step troubleshooting (works for most services)
Step 1: Confirm the address (no typos)
- Re-copy the temp email address and paste it again.
- Check for extra spaces before/after the address.
Step 2: Retry with a brand-new address
New signup flow → new inbox. This fixes issues caused by:
- delayed emails arriving to the “wrong” inbox,
- temporary refresh glitches,
- or blocked/flagged addresses.
Fastest workflow: Anonibox temporary email generator.
Step 3: If the site still doesn’t deliver, assume domain blocking
When a platform blocks temp mail, you’ll often see one of these patterns:
- the email field accepts the address, but no email ever arrives,
- the site immediately says “invalid email,”
- or the site silently fails after you click “send code.”
In those cases, you have two clean options:
- If you might keep the account: use an email alias (recoverable).
- If you only want spam separation: use a dedicated secondary mailbox you control.
Step 4: Avoid “timer traps” with 10-minute inboxes
If your inbox expires before the message arrives, switch to a non-timer workflow. Read: 10 Minute Mail Alternative (2026).
Best tools depending on what you’re doing
- OTP codes and one-off signups: Anonibox
- Comparing major services:
- Accounts you might keep: Email Alias (2025)
- Spam strategy (long-term): How to stop your email from getting spam
FAQs
Why is my temporary email not receiving verification codes?
Most commonly: sender delay, domain blocking, or a refresh issue (especially on mobile). Use the “Fast fix checklist” above first, then retry with a new address.
How long should I wait for an OTP email?
Start with 60–90 seconds. If nothing arrives, resend once. If it still fails, try a new address or switch to an alias if the account matters.
Why do websites block temp mail?
To reduce automated signups, fraud, and abuse. If a site blocks disposable domains, the clean approach is to use an alias for that account.
Is temp mail safe?
Temp mail is safest for low‑stakes tasks (one‑time codes, quick signups, download links). Don’t use it for banking, healthcare, government portals, or anything you may need later.
Conclusion
When temp mail is not working, don’t guess—run the checklist:
- wait 60–90 seconds,
- resend once,
- keep the tab open,
- then retry with a fresh address.
If you need a working disposable inbox right now: Anonibox temporary email generator. If you might keep the account, switch to an alias: Email Alias (2025).