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Why You Should Use a Separate Email for Gaming

Safety online
Why You Should Use a Separate Email for Gaming
Safety online

Sick of a cluttered inbox or worried about online scams? Here’s why having more than one email address is a smart move.

Is your inbox bursting at the seams with notifications, marketing emails and spam? If so, it might be time to set up a separate email account just for your gaming activity. With data breaches becoming a more regular occurrence these days, it’s also a sensible step towards better online security.

 

Should I Have a Separate Email for Gaming?

Setting up a dedicated email address for gaming is a clever idea. You can use it for signing up to platforms, forums, or for receiving game-related newsletters and offers. Not only does it keep your main inbox tidy, it also limits the risk to your primary email if anything goes awry. If you’re ever caught out by a phishing email or if your gaming account gets compromised, the damage is contained – only your gaming email will be affected, while your main address remains secure. The same logic applies if one of the gaming services you use suffers a data breach.

Want to boost your security even more? You could consider paying for games with a prepaid gift card from Recharge, which helps to reduce the amount of personal information you share online.

 

Do I Need Two Email Addresses?

At the very least – but there’s no reason to stop there. It’s actually good advice to compartmentalise other parts of your digital life too. Forbes, for example, recommends using at least four email addresses: one for sensitive matters such as online banking, one for work, one for personal chats with friends and family, and one for shopping and subscriptions – or gaming, in this case.

 

Is Gmail a Good Email Service for Gamers?

Gmail is a popular choice for gamers – it’s widely supported and boasts solid security features. That said, there are some privacy concerns worth bearing in mind.

Pros of Gmail for Gamers:

  • It’s everywhere – most gaming platforms accept Gmail addresses without issue.
  • Strong protection – its spam filtering, two-factor authentication and general security are all top-notch.
  • Free to use – you get 15GB of free storage, shared across Gmail, Google Drive and Photos.
  • Handy integration – it works seamlessly with other Google services, which can help you plan game nights or manage files.

Cons of Gmail for Gamers:

  • Privacy concerns – Google scans email content for advertising purposes.
  • Limited control – Google’s data policies give you less say over how your information is used, compared to some other providers.

 

Is It Illegal to Have Multiple Email Accounts?

Not at all. However, multiple accounts can sometimes raise eyebrows – particularly if they are used for dishonest purposes, such as spreading false information, dodging bans, or sidestepping limits.

Also, be sure to familiarise yourself with your email provider’s terms and conditions, as some may place restrictions on the number of accounts you can hold or how they can be used.

 

Should I Have Two Gmail Accounts?

Yes, absolutely. Having more than one Gmail account can help keep your online life in order – separating work from leisure, and keeping things more secure. It also means you’re less likely to miss an important message buried in a pile of marketing emails.

Using separate addresses allows you to tailor each one to its purpose. For instance, your work email might carry your full name or business details, while your gaming one could use a nickname or alias – offering another layer of privacy.

 

Should I Make a Separate Professional Email?

Yes, without question. You don’t want your gamertag showing up on your CV or in professional messages. A designated work email helps keep things tidy and appropriate, and makes your life easier overall:

  1. Use folders and labels to keep your inbox organised
  2. Unsubscribe from newsletters you no longer find useful – tools like Unroll.me can help tidy things up in no time.
  3. Flag or label messages that require follow-up
  4. Use filters or rules to direct emails into folders automatically, so your main inbox remains clean
  5. Clear out emails you no longer need to free up space

Still finding it tough to keep your inbox in shape? Block out a small bit of time each day to stay on top of it.

 

What Is the Best Email Service for Personal Use?

Pros Cons
Gmail 15GB free storage shared across Google services

Excellent spam filtering and search

Easy integration with Google Drive, Calendar, Docs, etc.

Google scans some data for personalisation
Outlook 15GB of free storage

Easy integration with Word, Excel, Teams etc.

Good spam and phishing protection

Ads in free version
ProtonMail End-to-end encryption by default

Based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws

No ads

1GB free storage

Some features (like custom domains) require a paid plan

Yahoo Mail 1TB of free storage

Easy-to-use interface

Good spam filtering

Privacy could be a concern (historically the platform has been less secure than others)

Ads in free version

iCloud Mail Seamless integration with macOS, iOS, iCloud

No ads

5GB of free iCloud storage

Lacks advanced email features

Limited if you’re not an Apple user

 

Should You Use Your Email as a Username?

It might seem handy – it is easy to remember, after all – but using your email as a public username can put you at risk. If it’s ever exposed in a data breach, hackers already have half the puzzle needed to access your accounts. It also opens the door to phishing emails.

Whenever possible, pick a username that isn’t linked to your email address, particularly for websites that deal with sensitive information. If an email address is required, use a different one from your main account – or consider email-masking services like Apple, Firefox Relay, or SimpleLogin. And, if you’re making a purchase, think about using prepaid gift cards from Recharge instead of sharing your bank details – it’s straightforward and more secure.

 

What Are Some Cool Email Names?

A good email address should be easy to say aloud and spell, and one you won’t be embarrassed to share years down the line. Avoid slang, trends, or numbers linked to your birth year or the current year, as they date quickly.

If using your real name, popping a dot between your first and last name often works well. If that is taken, try initials or tack on a descriptor like ‘mail’, ‘contact’ or ‘inbox’.

Want a bit more privacy? Go for a nickname or play on words. It might be something tied to your hobbies (like reading or hiking), a private joke among friends, or simply a word that reflects your personality.

 

Is It OK to Have One Email for Everything?

Technically, yes – but in practice, it’s not ideal. These days, we are online more than ever, and the emails just keep coming. Using one account for everything often leads to a messy inbox and a higher risk of falling victim to phishing, spam, or worse.

As our digital lives grow more complex, having multiple email addresses is not only practical – it’s a simple, effective way to safeguard your privacy and keep things manageable.

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Written by

Josie England

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