How to Add DNS Email Records: MX, DKIM, DMARC, SPF, and SRV Setup Guide

How to Add DNS Email Records: MX, DKIM, DMARC, SPF, and SRV Setup Guide

By Michael Thompson

January 21, 2025 at 02:32 PM

Email DNS Records Guide

DNS records are crucial for proper email functionality. Here's how to set up MX, DKIM, DMARC, SPF, and SRV records for your domain.

MX Records MX records direct mail servers where to route emails. Add them when using custom email addresses with your domain.

Two ways to add MX records:

  1. Use predefined records for popular providers:
  • Google Workspace
  • Microsoft 365
  • Fastmail
  • Proton Mail
  • Neo
  • Titan
  • iCloud
  • Zoho Mail
  1. Add custom records manually:
  • Select MX as record type
  • Enter @ in Host field (or subdomain if applicable)
  • Set Priority (0-255)
  • Add mail server URL in Data field

DKIM and SPF Records These TXT records authenticate your email account to prevent unauthorized use:

  • DKIM: Add as TXT/CNAME record with provider's host information
  • SPF: Add as TXT record starting with "v=spf1"

email header in Squarespace

email header in Squarespace

DMARC Records DMARC validates your domain for email marketing:

  • Add as TXT record
  • Use _dmarc in Host field
  • Include provider's TXT record value
  • Only one DMARC record per domain (combine if needed)

SRV Records Service records connect domains to email services:

Required information:

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

Add as custom record:

  1. Select SRV type
  2. Enter Service.Protocol in Host field
  3. Add Priority if available
  4. Include Weight, Port, and Target in Data field

Remember to save all changes after adding each record. Contact your email provider for specific record values and troubleshooting assistance.

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