Gmail might soon introduce an email alias feature similar to iCloud’s “Hide My Email.” First reported by Android Authority, their team discovered references to a feature called “Shielded Email” within version 24.45.33 of the Google Play Services APK. It was later spotted in the Autofill with Google settings menu. While Google hasn’t officially confirmed this, a privacy-focused feature like this seems fitting for the world’s largest email provider, with over 1.5 billion active users.
What Are Email Aliases?
Email aliases aren’t new. Businesses use them all the time. For example, when you see addresses like contact@businessname.com or support@businessname.com, they often lead to the same inbox. While companies use aliases for organizational purposes, personal users can benefit too, particularly when it comes to managing spam.
How Might Shielded Email Work?
Although the feature hasn’t been launched yet, we can infer how Google might implement it based on available information. Email aliasing services are typically used for websites that require sign-ups but don’t feel trustworthy enough for your actual email address. Think of sites that demand a subscription to their newsletter in order to unlock content.
With an alias, you can quickly generate a disposable address instead of sharing your primary one. Emails sent to the alias are forwarded to your real inbox. However, if the website starts spamming you or worse, sells your information, you can easily deactivate the alias, cutting off the spam.
Since references to Shielded Email were found in the Android Autofill settings, the feature will likely be integrated with Google’s Autofill services. However, many details remain unclear. Will it work on desktop browsers other than Chrome? Will it be free? Could it be exclusive to Pixel devices? Or will it also be available for iPhone users? For now, we’re waiting for Google to announce more details.
Alternatives to Try Now
Several alternatives are already available if you’re eager to use email aliases. Apple’s Hide My Email is included with all iCloud+ plans. We suspect Google may take a similar route by bundling Shielded Email with Google One subscriptions. Another option is Cloaked, a paid service that generates unlimited identities, including email aliases, phone numbers, and even payment methods. If you’re looking for a free alternative, DuckDuckGo’s Email Protection feature is worth a try. It’s part of their Privacy Essentials browser extension and offers similar functionality at no cost.
While you can always create a few throwaway email accounts and forward them to your primary inbox, that method is cumbersome and high-maintenance. What services like Hide My Email and potentially Shielded Email offer is a streamlined and convenient way to enhance your privacy. If implemented correctly, Google’s Shielded Email could be a game-changer for protecting your online identity.