# Check for broken email addresses (EK20002)

import { Aside, Badge } from '@astrojs/starlight/components';

A valid email address keeps readers able to reach the support, feedback, or access contact you point them to. EkLine verifies that the email addresses in your documentation are well-formed and deliverable, and flags any that aren't (rule EK20002).

## Why check for valid email addresses in documentation?

Documentation often directs readers to an email address for support, feedback, or access requests. A typo or a retired address sends those messages nowhere, and the reader rarely learns the mail failed. Checking addresses on every review keeps your contact paths open.

## What EkLine flags

EK20002 checks each email address in your documentation and flags one that is malformed or undeliverable. A malformed address has a structural problem, such as a missing `@` or domain, while an undeliverable address has valid form but no reachable mailbox.

## How to fix

Correct the address so it is well-formed and points at a live mailbox, or remove it if the contact no longer exists.

## FAQ

### How do you fix a broken email address?

Correct the address so it is well-formed and points at a live mailbox, or remove it if the contact no longer exists.

### Does the check follow addresses it can't verify?

It may flag a valid address it can't confirm, such as an internal alias. When the address is valid, keep it and ignore the rule on that line.

## Rule details

| Property | Value |
|----------|-------|
| Rule ID | `EK20002` |
| Category | Links and references |
| Default severity | <Badge text="Error" variant="danger" /> |
| Enabled by default | No |

## Ignore this rule

Fix or remove the address before you silence this rule — a broken address stops readers from reaching you. When an address is valid but EkLine flags it, such as an internal alias, keep it on one line with an inline comment:

```markdown
<!-- ekline-ignore-next-line EK20002 -- valid internal alias -->
Contact docs-team@internal for access.
```

To disable the rule across your project, add it to the `ignore` list in your [configuration file](/reviewer/configuration/ignoring-rules/#ignore).

## Related rules

- [EK20001](/reviewer/rules/broken-links/) — Check for broken links