> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.mailtrap.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.mailtrap.io/email-sandbox/testing/bounce-rate.md).

# Bounce Emulator

Learn how to test your SMTP client's behavior when the server responds with an error

## Constructing the address

The recipient's username should start with bounce+ and contain the response in URL-encoded form: `bounce+550+no+such+user+here@inbox.mailtrap.io`. The domain must be `inbox.mailtrap.io`.

If you send to `bounce@inbox.mailtrap.io` without a custom response, you'll get the default one: `550 5.1.1 The email account that you tried to reach does not exist.`

To create it, use [https://www.urlencoder.org](https://www.urlencoder.org/) or any other URL encoding solution.

Tip: Write the address in lowercase. For example, `Bounce+...` won't trigger the emulator. To get capital letters in the response text, use URL encoding:  `bounce+550+%4Eo+such+user+here@inbox.mailtrap.io` returns `550 No such user here`.

## Using Bounce Emulator with an email client

Just use the inbox.mailtrap.io host with any email client or application and send an email to `bounce+451+server+unavailable@inbox.mailtrap.io` .

## Using Bounce Emulator with Sandbox

If your application is connected to Email Sandbox SMTP, send an email from the application to `bounce+454+authentication+required@inbox.mailtrap.io` , and your application will receive a bounce response from the Sandbox SMTP server. Bounce addresses on any other domain are captured in your inbox as regular emails.

*Note: This feature does not work with API, as bounce codes are specific to SMTP.*


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# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://docs.mailtrap.io/email-sandbox/testing/bounce-rate.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
