How to Filter Gmail Using the Dot Trick (Step by Step)

Gmail ignores dots in the username part of an address. That means ne.tflix@gmail.com and netflix@gmail.com both land in your inbox. You can use this to give every service its own unique address and filter it automatically.

Step 1 - Create a unique variation per service

Open the DotMail generator, type your Gmail username, and pick one variation for each service. Keep a note of the pairings, for example:

• Netflix → yo.urname@gmail.com
• Online store → your.name@gmail.com
• Newsletter → y.ourname@gmail.com

Step 2 - Use that address when signing up

When you sign up to a service, use the variation you chose. Email still lands in the same inbox, but the "To" field now carries the service fingerprint.

Step 3 - Create a filter in Gmail

1. In Gmail, click the advanced search icon in the search box.
2. Fill the To field with the specific variation, e.g. yo.urname@gmail.com.
3. Click "Create filter".
4. Pick the action: apply label, skip inbox, archive, or forward. Click "Create filter" again.

Done. From now on email from that service is sorted automatically. Repeat per service.

Tips

• Use one consistent variation per service so filters are easy to manage.
• Want to track leaks? See the leak detection guide.