Setting Up MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC & Forwarding
Setting up MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and forwarding is essential for your email account’s functionality and security. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started. Note that if you’ve purchased your domain via our Done-For-You service, the DNS records will be configured automatically. We “COLD ICP” provide one stop cold email set up service.
Set Up MX Records
MX Records direct emails to you, and without them, no emails will arrive. Setting up MX Records is crucial. Refer to your email provider’s official documentation for the latest information.
- To set up your MX Record in Google Workspace, click here.
- To set up your MX Record in Microsoft Office 365, click here.
Set Up SPF
An SPF Record specifies authorized domains to send emails and helps email servers verify that the sender of an email is who they claim to be. This reduces spam and phishing attempts and improves 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 your SPF setup using third-party tools like MXToolbox or directly in your Instantly Email Accounts dashboard by clicking “Test domain setup.”
Set Up DKIM
A 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 authenticates emails, ensuring they are sent from a legitimate source.
- Follow this guide to set up DMARC.
- Consider using a third-party DMARC provider like Postmark.
After configuring DMARC, check your setup using tools like Easydrmarc.com or directly in your Instantly dashboard by clicking “Test domain setup.”
Note: Configure DKIM and SPF before setting up DMARC, and let DKIM and SPF authenticate messages for at least 48 hours before enabling DMARC.
Set Up Domain Forwarding
Domain forwarding is optional and forwards new domains to your main domain. This can be set up in your Domain Settings Provider.
- To set up forwarding for a GoDaddy domain, follow this guide.
- To set up forwarding for a Google domain, follow this guide.
For Done-For-You domains purchased from Instantly, please reach out to our chat support.
Setting Up DNS Records for GoDaddy Domains
If GoDaddy is your domain provider, here are specific guides:
- SPF, DMARC, and DKIM for Google Workspace accounts
- SPF, DMARC, and DKIM for Microsoft Office 365 accounts
FAQ
- Do DNS records impact deliverability?
Yes. Correct configuration of DNS records is crucial for email deliverability:
- MX Record: Directs emails to you.
- SPF Record: Reduces spam and phishing.
- DKIM Record: Adds traceable signatures.
- DMARC Record: Authenticates emails as legitimate.
- How do I test DNS records?
Test your DNS records before connecting accounts using third-party tools:
