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How to setup MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC & Forwarding ⏩
How to setup MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC & Forwarding ⏩
Guide on setting up the DNS records you have to set up for each domain: MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
Sanchit Singh avatar
Written by Sanchit Singh
Updated over a week ago

Hi there πŸ‘‹

If you're using your own domain for your email, you need to set up some DNS records.

  • MX records: MX records direct emails to you; without them, no emails will arrive :(

  • SPF record: SPF record specifies authorized domains to send emails.

  • DKIM record: DKIM adds a signature to emails, making them easier to trace and preventing spoofing.

  • DMARC record: DMARC authenticates emails, letting the world know they were sent from a legitimate source.


πŸ‘‰ Put simply, you need all four of the above records for your email account to function well.


Using GoDaddy as a domain name provider? Here are some specific guides:

Using NameCheap as a domain name provider? Here are some specific guides:


In general or if you're using any other domain name providers you can use the resources below to set it up.

1) Set up MX records

Setting up the MX record is critical - you should refer to your email provider's official guide for the latest information.

2) Set up SPF

  • Google/GSuite SPF guide: link

  • Office 365 SPF guide: link

  • Zoho SPF guide: link

You can check if your SPF is set up properly using this tool, or your Instantly dashboard.

3) Set up DKIM

Again, assuming you are using Google Workspace you can follow this guide to set up DKIM.

  • Google/GSuite DKIM guide: link

  • Office 365 DKIM guide: link

  • Zoho DKIM guide: link

    PS: Make sure to use your service provider recommended DKIM Selector:

    Zoho - "zoho"
    Google/Gsuite - "google"
    Office 365 - "microsoft"
    Other service providers - "default"

You can check if your DKIM is set up properly using this tool, or your Instantly dashboard.

4) Set up DMARC

Important: Configure DKIM and SPF before configuring DMARC. DKIM and SPF should be authenticating messages for at least 48 hours before turning on DMARC.

Assuming you are using Google Workspace you can follow this guide to set up DMARC.

You may also choose to use a third-party DMARC provider like that from Postmark [link].

You can check if your DMARC is set up properly using this tool, or your Instantly dashboard.

Optional: Set up Forwarding

Also, you want to forward the new domains to your main domain. This can be done in the settings of your domain provider. If you are using GoDaddy, you can follow this guide.

Do the records impact deliverability? πŸ€”

Yes!

Well, without an MX record, you won't even be able to receive replies.

As for the other 3, they totally do impact your account's performance.

Test DNS Records

To test your records before connecting accounts, you can use some of the third-party tools, such as Easydmarc.com, MXToolbox for MX records, DMARCian, etc.

Simply type your domain in one of these tools, and it will show you if everything is setup correctly.

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