How to Set an Email Storage Quota in cPanel
Quotas cap how much server space each mailbox can use. On EconomicalHost plans, sensible quotas plus regular POP download keep mail flowing reliably.
Step-by-step
- Open Email → Email Accounts in cPanel.
- Click Manage next to the account.
- Find Allocated Storage Space. Enter a size in MB (e.g. 500 or 1000) — avoid Unlimited so the account's total disk space is protected.
- Click Update Email Settings. The new quota applies immediately; existing mail is not deleted even if the mailbox is now over quota.
- If a mailbox is over quota, it stops receiving (senders get a "mailbox full" bounce) until space is freed — see freeing email space.
- Check usage anytime — the Email Accounts list shows a usage bar per mailbox.
💡 Good to know
- cPanel emails a warning to the mailbox and the contact address when usage crosses ~80%.
- Mail space on shared plans is working space, not archive storage — download mail to your computer via POP every 7–14 days.
- Quota changes never delete existing mail; they only limit growth.