Use-and-throw temporary email addresses to shield your main inbox from spam will soon be a reality for Android users

Android users may soon bid farewell to inbox clutter, as Google is developing a new feature called Shielded Email, designed to protect main email addresses from spam with use-and-throw temporary email addresses. Inspired by Apple’s Hide My Email, this tool promises to give users greater control over their inbox and privacy, tackling the all-too-common problem of promotions, newsletters, and updates flooding Gmail accounts.

According to Android Authority, Shielded Email generates a single-use or limited-use alias email address whenever you sign up for a new account or service. Instead of exposing your primary email, the alias acts as a intermediary: emails sent to it are forwarded to your main inbox. If spam begins to pile up, you can simply disable the forwarding — no need to block senders or unsubscribe. This feature integrates seamlessly with Google’s existing autofill tools, appearing as a convenient pop-up alongside options to autofill phone numbers, credit card details, and addresses, making it both accessible and user-friendly.

Beyond spam protection, Shielded Email offers a significant privacy perk. By using unique aliases for different services, it creates a buffer between you and data collectors, making it harder for them to track your online activity across platforms. With personal data increasingly at risk, this added layer of anonymity could be a game-changer for privacy-conscious users.

While there’s no official release date yet, Android Authority successfully enabled a pre-release version, hinting that Shielded Email could arrive sooner rather than later. This development mirrors Apple’s Hide My Email, a feature already popular among iPhone users. Given the history of feature-sharing between Android and iOS — think notifications or widgets — Google’s adoption of this concept feels like a natural evolution in the ongoing rivalry to enhance user experience.

For anyone whose Gmail has become a dumping ground for unwanted emails, Shielded Email could be a lifeline. By offering a simple, disposable solution to shield your main inbox, Google is addressing a universal frustration while reinforcing its commitment to privacy and convenience. Android users can look forward to a cleaner, safer email experience — this feature finally lands.