> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://spotzee.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Email address validation

> Validate one email address and interpret the returned status and address flags.

Email address validation checks one address and returns a status with detail fields. Spotzee rejects malformed input before requesting a broader validation result. A `valid` result is a point-in-time assessment, not proof that future messages will reach an inbox.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Run a one-off check at [spotzee.com/tools/email-validation](https://spotzee.com/tools/email-validation/). Extended API calls use your Spotzee credit balance; see [pricing](https://spotzee.com/pricing/) for current rates.

## Check an address

**1. Enter the email address**

Use the web form or submit the `email` field to `POST /generic/email/email-validation`.

**2. Review the status**

Read `result`, `resultcode` and `expanded_result` together. Use the result codes below to distinguish an invalid address from an inconclusive assessment.

**3. Review address flags**

The response also includes `free` and `role` flags and, when available, a `didyoumean` suggestion. A suggested correction still needs confirmation from the address owner.

## Interpret the result

Successful checks return these result codes:

| `resultcode` | `result` | Meaning |
| - | - | - |
| `1` | `valid` | The address passed the validation check. |
| `2` | `catch_all` | The domain accepts mail for unrecognised addresses; the individual mailbox is not confirmed. |
| `3` | `unknown` | The check could not determine the address's status. |
| `5` | `disposable` | The address uses a disposable email service. |
| `6` | `invalid` | The address failed the validation check. |

Read `expanded_result` for the detailed reason; it can be empty. For example, `resultcode: 6` with `expanded_result: "no_mailbox"` means the mailbox was not found. Code `6` alone does not identify a DNS failure or timeout.

The response preserves the returned `email`, `didyoumean` and `expanded_result` text. `executiontime` is numeric, including when it is `0`.

## Handle errors

Malformed input returns `400`. A failed validation request or an unusable validation response returns `503` with `code: "internal_error"` in the [standard error body](https://spotzee.com/docs/extended-api/errors.md). This includes validation-service errors represented by code `4`. A service-configuration error returns `500` with the same error code. An error response does not establish whether the address is valid.

A syntax-only check cannot establish whether an address receives mail. Use the [email syntax validator](https://spotzee.com/docs/guides/tools/email-validation/email-syntax-validator.md) when you need only to reject malformed input.


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