Design @ Algbra
Email Domain
2 Feb 2025 • Note
Recently, I came across iCloud+’s Custom Email Domain feature, which allows you to use your own domain for email directly within iCloud Mail.
It turned out to be a great way to get a personalised email address without any extra cost, so I thought I’d share how it works and why it’s been a surprisingly good find for me.
What’s the custom email domain feature in iCloud+?
Simply put, the iCloud+ custom email domain lets you use your own domain name with iCloud Mail. So instead of using a generic email like [email protected] you can have [email protected] — and it’s all managed through iCloud, with no extra email hosting fees.
This feature is available to anyone with an iCloud+ subscription (starting from £0.99/month), and since it’s integrated within Apple’s system, your custom email can sync across all your Apple devices just like your regular iCloud Mail.
Why it’s cost-effective
To see where the savings come in, here’s a quick comparison:
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Google Workspace: £6.67/month per user
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Microsoft 365: around £5.99/month per user
If you’re simply looking to set up a personalised email without needing a whole suite of collaboration tools, these costs can add up.
On the other hand, with iCloud+, the custom email domain feature is included as part of the basic plan, which also includes extra iCloud storage, Private Relay, and Hide My Email.
So if you’re already paying for iCloud+, it’s a great way to get a custom email address without adding another subscription.
Setting up your custom domain on iCloud
You can find detailed setup instructions from Apple here
Why it works for me
- No extra cost: Since I was already paying for the iCloud+ storage plan, this feature didn’t cost me anything additional. I saved myself from paying around £5 per month for a separate email hosting service.
- Integration with Apple’s ecosystem: Since I already use Apple Mail across all my devices, having my custom email address linked directly to iCloud makes everything feel seamless.
- Built-in privacy and security: Apple includes privacy-focused features like Hide My Email and Mail Privacy Protection, which give you an extra layer of security.
- Simple Setup: I didn’t need any advanced tools or a business email setup, so iCloud Mail’s basic features work just fine for me.
When it might not be the right fit
This feature works really well for individuals, families, or small setups but probably isn’t the best fit for a larger business or anyone who needs advanced email management or collaboration tools.
But if, like me, you’re mainly looking to keep your email personal and easy to manage, this setup is ideal. It saves money, keeps everything in one place, and is perfect for personal use. If that’s the case, a more robust service like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 might still make more sense.
Final thoughts
If you’re already using iCloud+ for storage, setting up a custom email domain is an easy way to get a personalised email address without adding another subscription.
For me, it’s been a cost-effective solution that doesn’t feel like a compromise. It’s a great option if you’re in the Apple ecosystem and want a professional-looking email without the hassle of managing separate email hosting or paying for features you don’t need.