Upcoming Email Changes for Shared Hosting
At Reclaim Hosting, we’re always evaluating how we can best support our community with reliable, sustainable services. As part of this ongoing process, we want to share an important update about our email offerings. Previously, we announced changes to all new users with Reclaim Hosting, but we are making additional changes in the new year.
What’s Changing?
Starting January 1, 2026, we will be removing email services for all Student/Personal and Faculty/Professional account holders. This means that after this date, these account types will no longer include domain-based email accounts or email forwarding as part of your hosting plan. This includes sending/receiving email, any external connections to third-party services (such as Gmail, Outlook, or iMail), and email forwarding services.
Why the Change?
Providing email hosting comes with growing costs, evolving security requirements, and increased complexity that can take focus away from our core mission—empowering educators and learners to build and manage their own spaces on the web. We believe this shift will help us continue offering the best possible web hosting and domain services.
What Should You Do Next?
If you currently use Reclaim Hosting for email, we recommend reviewing your email setup and exploring alternative email providers well ahead of the January 1, 2026, deadline. We’ve created a help guide with recommendations and resources to help you make a smooth transition.
We understand this is a significant change, and our support team is here to help you through it. Please reach out with any questions—we’re happy to point you in the right direction.
FAQ
Will this impact my hosted website?
This change only impacts the email accounts and email forwarding connected to your domain. Your website, files, and databases will not be affected in any way.
Can you help me move my email?
We can’t set up the new email for you directly, but we’re glad to share recommendations and best practices for migrating your messages, setting up DNS records, and making the transition as smooth as possible. We have a list of recommended providers you can use on our Knowledgebase.
I rely on the email service. Why are you making this change?
We understand this change is frustrating — we truly didn’t make this decision lightly. Supporting email hosting has become increasingly complex and costly, and this change will help us focus on delivering secure, reliable web hosting services. We appreciate your understanding, and we’re here to support you through the transition.
Do you offer any extensions to the deadline?
Unfortunately, we won’t be able to extend email services beyond January 1, 2026, but starting early will help ensure a smooth handoff to your new email provider.
I only use my hosting for email. Can you provide a refund?
Email has always been included at no extra charge as part of your hosting package, so this change doesn’t affect your hosting costs. You’ll continue to have full access to your website and domain services. If your account falls within our refund policy, please get in touch, and we'll be happy to take a look!
I'm ready to transition my email to a third-party service. How do I update my DNS or MX records?
Once you’ve chosen a new provider, they’ll give you DNS records you’ll need to add to your domain. Here’s our guide on how to update your DNS settings. If you run into trouble, we’re here to help.
Thank you for your understanding and for being part of the Reclaim Hosting community. If you have any questions, get in touch.
