How to Validate Email Addresses
Email validation checks if an address is reachable before you send. OutSends validates syntax, domain, and mailbox existence in real time — so you never waste sends on bad addresses.
What you'll need
Before you start, make sure you have the following ready.
- An OutSends account
- A contact list with unvalidated emails
- An email validation credit balance
Step-by-step guide
Follow these steps to complete the setup.
Upload your contact list
Import your list into OutSends if you haven't already. You can validate existing lists or new imports.
Go to validation tool
Navigate to Contacts > Validation. Select the list you want to validate.
Run validation
Click "Validate Emails". OutSends checks each address: syntax → domain → mailbox. Results appear in minutes.
Review results
See categories: Valid, Risky, Invalid, Unknown. Focus on removing invalid and reviewing risky addresses.
Clean your list
Remove invalid addresses from your list automatically. Risky addresses can go to a review segment.
Tips for best results
Pro tips to get the most out of this setup.
- Validate before every major campaign, not just on import
- Risky addresses (catch-all domains) are often OK — test with a small batch first
- Keep a log of removed addresses for audit and future re-verification
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is email validation?
Most tools are 95-98% accurate. No tool can guarantee a working inbox without sending an actual email.
Does validation guarantee zero bounces?
No. Validation checks deliverability factors, but temporary issues (inbox full, server down) can still cause bounces.
How many validation credits do I need?
One credit per email address. Most plans include monthly validation credits.
Related guides
Explore more how-to guides for OutSends.
Ready to get started?
Create a workspace, connect a sender, and launch your first campaign — free, no credit card.