Proper DNS configuration is essential for email deliverability, spam prevention, and receiving replies. This guide covers setting up MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC records, and optional domain forwarding.
Why DNS Records Matter
All four DNS records work together to ensure your emails are delivered and trusted:
MX – Routes incoming emails to your inbox
SPF – Authorizes which servers can send on your behalf
DKIM – Adds a digital signature to verify authenticity
DMARC – Provides authentication policy and instructions
You need all four records for optimal email functionality and deliverability.
Important: For Done-For-You or Pre-warmed domains from Instantly, DNS records are configured automatically.
MX Record
MX (Mail Exchange) records direct incoming emails to your mail server. Without MX records, you won't receive any emails, including replies from your campaigns.
How to Set Up
Log in to your domain registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, etc.) and add the MX records provided by your email provider.
Please refer to your email provider's official documentation for the latest MX record values.
SPF Record
PF (Sender Policy Framework) specifies which mail servers are authorized to send emails on behalf of your domain.
Reduces spam and phishing attempts
Improves email deliverability
Helps receiving servers verify sender legitimacy
How to Set Up
Get your SPF record from your email provider and add this as a TXT record in your domain provider's DNS settings.
Typical SPF record format:
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all
DKIM record
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) adds a digital signature to your emails, making them traceable and preventing spoofing.
Verifies email authenticity
Prevents email tampering
Improves deliverability and trust
How to Set Up
Generate and add your DKIM record from your email provider and add the DKIM key as a TXT record in your domain provider's DNS settings.
DMARC record
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) authenticates emails and tells receiving servers how to handle messages that fail authentication.
Signals emails are from a legitimate source
Provides policy for handling failed authentication
Improves overall email security and deliverability
How to Set Up
Add as a TXT record at _dmarc.yourdomain.com in your domain provider's DNS settings.
Option 1: Use Your Email Provider's Instructions
Option 2: Use a Third-Party DMARC Provider
For easier management and reporting, consider using a DMARC service:
Basic DMARC record format:
v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected]
Important: Make sure you set up DKIM and SPF before setting up DMARC. DKIM and SPF should be authenticating messages for at least 48 hours before turning on DMARC.
How to Test Your DNS Records
Option 1: Use Instantly's Built-In Test
Go to your Email Accounts dashboard
Click "Test domain setup"
Review the results to verify all records are properly configured
Option 2: Use Third-Party Tools
Verify your DNS configuration with these tools:
Domain Forwarding (Optional)
Domain forwarding redirects visitors from your new domains to your main website. This is optional but recommended for brand consistency.
How to Set Up Domain Forwarding
Configure forwarding through your domain registrar:
For Instantly Purchased Domains
If you purchased Done-For-You or Pre-warmed domains from Instantly:
Go to the Billing page
Navigate to Email Accounts & Domains
Select your domain
Click "Domain Forwarding"
Add or update your forwarding destination
Troubleshooting Common Issues
MX Records Not Working
Verify MX records point to correct mail servers
Wait for DNS propagation (24-48 hours)
SPF Record Failures
Ensure SPF record includes your email provider's servers
Check for syntax errors in the SPF record
Verify only one SPF record exists (multiple SPF records cause failures)
DKIM Not Validating
Confirm DKIM record is added properly
Verify selector matches what your email provider expects
Check for typos in the DKIM key
DMARC Issues
Ensure SPF and DKIM were set up first
Confirm DMARC record is added properly
Wait for DNS propagation (24-48 hours)