A global filter applies to incoming mail across the cPanel account. Use it for an account-wide handling rule, such as routing a clearly identified message type. A rule intended for one person normally belongs under that mailbox’s Email Filters instead.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Check access and requirements
Write down the exact match and desired destination. Keep a sample message with its complete headers and a second message that must not match. Back up existing filter rules before changing delivery for multiple mailboxes.
01 Create a global email filter in cPanel
- Open Global Email Filters and choose Create a New Filter. Give the rule a unique descriptive name that explains its purpose.
- Select the message field and operator. For a specific sender, prefer an exact address comparison over a short word that could match many unrelated addresses.
- Enter the criterion and select the action. A redirect changes where matching mail is delivered; it should not be assumed to keep a copy in the original mailbox.
- If adding several conditions, read their AND or OR relationship carefully. Create small understandable rules and place them deliberately in the filter order.
- Save, then use Filter Test with both sample messages. Read the trace to confirm which conditions matched and which delivery action occurred.
02 Example: test a narrow account-wide subject rule
Suppose a reviewed workflow marks its messages with the literal subject prefix [Website enquiry]. A condition that checks Subject for that complete marker is easier to review than a broad match for the word enquiry.
| Test subject | Expected match |
|---|---|
[Website enquiry] Contact form submission |
Matches the intended marker. |
General enquiry about my invoice |
Does not match the complete marker. |
Monthly account statement |
Continues through ordinary processing. |
Run these through Filter Test before enabling the chosen delivery action, then test actual external delivery. This is a mail-organization rule, not proof of a sender's identity. Because it is global, confirm that the intended action is appropriate for every affected mailbox.
Confirm the expected result
Send a fresh external message that should match and another that should pass normally. Check the relevant inboxes rather than relying only on the test preview.
Why does my global filter redirect or discard unexpected messages?
If unexpected mail is redirected or discarded, edit or remove the new rule immediately. Global rules, mailbox rules and spam controls can interact. A BCC address usually is not available in the delivered headers, so do not depend on it as an ordinary filter field.
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