# Why regex isn't email validation

DevFeed: [Why regex isn't email validation](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/why-regex-isn-t-email-validation-16072.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://workos.com/blog/why-regex-isnt-email-validation>)

Author: WorkOS

Published: 2026-08-24T00:00:00Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [WorkOS Blog](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/workos-blog.md>)

Topics: [Parsing](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/parsing.md>), [Forms](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/forms.md>), [HTML5 and CSS3 tricks](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/html5-and-css3-tricks.md>), [Library](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/library.md>), [Internet](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/internet.md>)

Tags: [advice](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/advice.md>), [deliverability](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/deliverability.md>), [domain](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/domain.md>), [email](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/email.md>), [forms](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/forms.md>), [framework](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/framework.md>), [html5](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/html5.md>), [internet](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/internet.md>), [library](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/library.md>), [regex](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/regex.md>), [validation](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/validation.md>)

## AI overview

The article explains that email syntax validation with regexes, HTML5 checks, or framework libraries does not establish deliverability or confirm that a mailbox exists. It recommends a loose syntax check and stopping there, while recognizing that stronger checks address separate, less reliable questions.

## Source excerpt

Checking that an address looks right and checking that it can receive mail are different problems. Most signup forms only solve the first one.