Error: "Symbols are not allowed in a username"

Error: "Symbols are not allowed in a username"

If you receive the error "Symbols are not allowed in a username" while creating a new user, it is because Symbolic Subaddressing is currently enabled for that domain.

How to Fix: Enabling Symbols in Usernames

To create a username with symbols—such as no-reply@example.com or first.last@example.com—you must disable the subaddressing feature.

Note on Domain Ownership:

• Custom Domains: You can disable this feature at any time to allow symbols in usernames.

• Purelymail Managed Domains: You cannot use symbols in usernames on domains owned or managed by Purelymail (such as purelymail.com). On these domains, usernames must remain alphanumeric, and the subaddressing feature cannot be turned off.

Steps to Disable (Custom Domains Only):

1. Log in to the Purelymail Account Admin portal.

2. Navigate to Routing.

3. Locate the Symbolic Subaddressing toggle next to the domain you want to modify and uncheck it.

Once this is done, you can return to the "New User" screen and create accounts with symbols.

What is Symbolic Subaddressing?

When enabled, this feature allows you to create instant email aliases by adding a symbol and a "tag" to your address (for example, user+shopping@example.com will automatically deliver to user@example.com).

Because the system uses symbols to identify these temporary tags, it prevents you from using those same symbols in a permanent username to avoid technical confusion.

Learn More:

To see exactly how this feature routes mail or how it affects your login options, please see our full guide:

Symbolic Subaddressing Explained