What is the Gmail dot trick?
The Gmail dot trick is adding dots to the username part of a Gmail address (everything before the @) to get addresses that look different but deliver to the same inbox. Google confirms that dots don’t matter in @gmail.com addresses, so every dotted version below belongs to the owner of johnsmith@gmail.com.
| Address you give out | Delivers to |
|---|---|
john.smith@gmail.com | johnsmith@gmail.com |
j.ohnsmith@gmail.com | johnsmith@gmail.com |
jo.hn.smith@gmail.com | johnsmith@gmail.com |
j.o.h.n.s.m.i.t.h@gmail.com | johnsmith@gmail.com |
johnsmith+signup@gmail.com | johnsmith@gmail.com |
How many dot variations does a Gmail address have?
A username with n characters has 2n−1 dot placements, because each gap between two characters can hold a dot or not. The count doubles with every extra character:
| Username length | Example | Dot variations |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | jsmit | 16 |
| 9 | johnsmith | 256 |
| 12 | johnsmith123 | 2,048 |
| 17 | johnathansmith123 | 65,536 |
This tool lists every variation for usernames up to 17 characters. Longer usernames get the best pick and the +tag versions.
How to use the Gmail dot trick generator
- Paste your address. Paste or type your Gmail address. A Google Workspace (company) address works too.
- Pick Dots or +Tags. Recommended shows the 10 most readable dot variations, best pick first; All lists every dot placement in the same order. The +Tags tab lists +alias versions.
- Copy what you need. Click any row to copy one address, use Copy all for the whole list (one per line), or download a CSV.
Gmail dots vs. plus addressing (+tags)
Both tricks give you many addresses for one inbox. The difference is where they work:
| Dot trick | Plus addressing | |
|---|---|---|
| Example | j.ohnsmith@gmail.com | johnsmith+promo@gmail.com |
| @gmail.com addresses | Works | Works |
| Google Workspace (company) addresses | Doesn’t work: dots change the address | Works |
| Sign-up forms | Looks like any normal address | Some forms reject the + sign |
What marketers use Gmail dot variations for
- Test complete email automations. Run welcome series, abandoned-cart and post-purchase flows with a different address each time, all landing in one inbox.
- Validate forms and segmentation. Submit each variation through forms and pop-ups to confirm tags, list routing and personalization.
- QA faster with your team. Give every teammate their own variation so everyone can test in parallel without extra inboxes.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Gmail dot trick really deliver to one inbox?
Yes. Google confirms that dots don't matter in @gmail.com addresses, so john.smith@gmail.com, jo.hn.smith@gmail.com and johnsmith@gmail.com all deliver to the same Gmail inbox.
How many dot variations does a Gmail address have?
A username with n characters has 2^(n-1) dot placements, because each gap between two characters can hold a dot or not. A 9-character username like johnsmith has 256. This tool lists every one for usernames up to 17 characters (65,536 variations).
Does the dot trick work with Google Workspace or company email?
Dots don't: on work, school and other custom-domain Google accounts, dots change the address. Plus addressing does work there, so for a company address this tool keeps your address exactly as typed and lists +tag versions like name+signup@yourcompany.com.
What is the difference between the dot trick and plus addressing?
The dot trick adds dots to the username (j.ohnsmith@gmail.com). Plus addressing adds a tag after a + sign (johnsmith+newsletter@gmail.com). Both reach the same Gmail inbox. Dots only work on @gmail.com; +tags also work on Google Workspace. Some sign-up forms reject the + sign, while a dotted address looks like any normal address.
Does it work for Outlook, Yahoo or iCloud?
No. Only Gmail ignores dots in the username. This tool is built for Gmail and Google Workspace addresses.
What can I use Gmail dot variations for?
Testing without extra inboxes: run welcome series, abandoned-cart and post-purchase flows; submit forms and pop-ups to check tags, list routing and personalization; and give each teammate their own address for parallel QA, while every test email lands in one inbox.
Is this Gmail dot trick generator free?
Yes. No sign-up and no credit card. The address you enter is saved so iExcel can see how the tool is used, and you only get email from iExcel if you click "Email me the list".
Updated by iExcel.