How to setup MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC & Forwarding ⏩

Setting up MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and forwarding are crucial steps in this process. Here's a simple guide to help you get started.

Note: You need all these four records for your email account to function well.

For domains purchased via our Done-For-You service, the DNS records will be configured automatically.

Set up MX Records

MX Records is known for directing emails to you, without them no emails will arrive. Setting up the MX Record is critical - you should refer to your email provider's official for the latest information.

To set up your MX Record in your Google Workspace, click here.
To set up your MX Record in Microsoft Office 365, click here.

Set up SPF

SPF Record specifies authorized domains to send emails. It's a protocol that helps email servers verify that the sender of an email is who they claim to be. This helps reduce spam and phishing attempts, and it can improve your email deliverability.

To set up your SPF record in Google Workspace, click here.
To set up your SPF record in Microsoft Office 365, click here.

You can check if your SPF is set up properly using this tool, or click Test domain setup in your Instantly Email Accounts dashboard.

Set up DKIM

DKIM Record adds a signature to emails, making them easier to trace and preventing spoofing.

To set up your DKIM record in Google Workspace, click here.
To set up your DKIM record in Microsoft Office 365, click here.

Set up DMARC

DMARC Record authenticates emails, letting the world know they were sent from a legitimate source. To set up your DMARC, you may use this in different ways.

To set up your DMARC record in Google Workspace, click here.
To set up your DMARC record in Microsoft Office 365, click here.
Or choose to use a third-party DMARC provider from Postmark.

After finish setting up, you can check using this tool to know if your DMARC is set up properly or click Test domain setup in your Instantly dashboard.

Note: Please configure DKIM and SPF before configuring DMARC.

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

Set up Domain Forwarding

Setting up the forwarding is optional which means that it forwards the new domains to your main domain. This can be done in your Domain Settings Provider.

To set up forwarding for GoDaddy domain, you may follow this guide.
To set up forwarding for Google domain, you may follow this guide.

To set up forwarding for Done-For-You domains purchased from Instantly, please go to the billing page --> Email accounts & Domains, select the domains, and update/add the forwarding domain.

Set up DNS records for Godaddy domains

If Godaddy is your domain provider, here are some specific guides:

FAQ

Q: Do the DNS records impact deliverability?

A: Yes. DNS records impact deliverability.

MX Record: Mx record is known for directing emails to you. Without an MX Record, you won't be able to receive replies.
SPF record: SPF record specifies authorized domains to send emails. It helps reduce spam and phishing attempts, and improve your email deliverability.
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.

Q: How do I test DNS records?

A: To test your DNS records before connecting accounts, you may use third-party tools.

You can also click Test domain setup in your Instantly Email Accounts dashboard to check if your DNS records are set up properly.

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