3 hours
The initial receiving window for every new address—ideal for verification codes, confirmation links, and short trials.
Lifetime planning workspace
Plan how long your temporary email should last
New OrbSend addresses start with a 3-hour lifetime. Each extension adds 3 hours, up to 24 hours total from creation. This timeline covers waiting, extending, and changing addresses.
Three key time facts
First, separate remaining time from total lifetime
Extending does not rebuild the mailbox, and changing the address is not an extension. Knowing the difference helps you avoid switching identities while waiting for an important email.
+3 hours
The fixed amount added with each extension. The address stays the same, and your current inbox remains available.
24 hours
The maximum total lifetime, counted from creation. Once the limit is reached, no further extensions are possible.
Start over
Changing the address creates a new identity and a new window. The old address is no longer suitable as your current registration identity.
Planning order
Plan around the latest point when an email may arrive
Do not maximize the window at the start. Check the workflow first, then extend when the expiry time is near and you still need to wait.
Complete registration right after creation
Copy the address and submit the form, then confirm that the sender shows “Sent.” Most verification codes arrive within the initial window.
Review with one hour left
Refresh your inbox and check that the address was entered correctly. If the process is still in progress, extend once more—do not change the address just to refresh.
Keep extending across time zones or manual reviews
Add only 3 hours at a time until the email arrives or you reach the 24-hour limit. Do not rely on an expiring address for important accounts.
Switch to a lasting identity after one day
If you expect billing, account recovery, or ongoing notifications, a forwarding alias is a better fit than a temporary email.
What each action changes
How extending, refreshing, and changing the address differ
The three buttons may seem similar, but they have completely different effects. Be especially careful not to change the address after submitting a registration.
| Action | Address | Countdown | Best time to use | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refresh inbox | Unchanged | Reloads the list | Keeps decreasing | While waiting for the sender to deliver |
| Extend by 3 hours | Unchanged | Keeps the current workspace | Adds 3 hours | While the process is still in progress |
| Change address | Changes to a new address | Opens a new workspace | Starts a new window | When you need a completely new registration identity |