Email DNS Records: The Complete Setup Guide

A proper email setup requires specific DNS records to ensure delivery, authentication, and security. Here's how to configure them:

MX Records (Mail Exchange)

MX records direct email traffic to the correct mail servers. To add them:

1. Access your DNS settings
2. Add a new MX record
3. Use @ in the Host field (or subdomain if applicable)
4. Enter the priority number (0-255)
5. Input the mail server URL in the Data field

Popular email providers have preset MX records:

• Google Workspace
• Microsoft 365
• Fastmail
• Proton Mail
• Zoho Mail
• iCloud

DKIM and SPF Records

These TXT records authenticate your emails and prevent spoofing:

For DKIM:

1. Add a new TXT/CNAME record
2. Enter the host information from provider
3. Paste the DKIM record in the Data field

For SPF:

1. Add a TXT record
2. Use @ in the Host field
3. Enter the SPF record (starts with v=spf1)
4. Multiple SPF records will automatically merge

DMARC Records

DMARC prevents email spoofing and reduces spam flagging:

1. Add a new TXT record
2. Enter _dmarc in the Host field
3. Input the provided DMARC value
4. For multiple services, merge records using commas

SRV Records

Service records connect your domain to email services:

Required information:

• Service name (e.g., _smtp)
• Protocol (e.g., _tcp)
• Priority (optional)
• Weight (single digit)
• Port number
• Target URL

To add:

1. Create new SRV record
2. Format Host as: _service._protocol
3. Enter priority if provided
4. Add weight, port, and target in Data field
5. Save changes

Wait 24-48 hours for DNS changes to propagate fully across the internet.

Related Articles

Previous Articles