What DNS Records Are Needed for Email Deliverability?
Quick Answer
For email deliverability, you need SPF records (authorize sending servers), DKIM records (email authentication), DMARC records (policy enforcement), and MX records (receive email). These records work together to authenticate your emails and prevent spam filtering. Check your DNS records with MailMoxie's free DNS Record Checker to verify they're configured correctly.
What DNS Records Are Needed for Email Deliverability?
DNS records are essential for email deliverability because they authenticate your emails and tell receiving servers that your messages are legitimate. Without proper DNS configuration, emails may be rejected or filtered into spam folders, even if your content and sender reputation are good.
Quick Answer
For email deliverability, you need four main types of DNS records: SPF (authorizes sending servers), DKIM (adds email signatures), DMARC (enforces policies), and MX records (receives email). SPF, DKIM, and DMARC work together to authenticate your emails and prevent spam filtering, while MX records ensure your domain can receive email.
Understanding DNS Records for Email
DNS (Domain Name System) records are instructions stored on your domain's DNS servers that tell other systems how to handle your domain. For email, these records authenticate your messages, authorize sending servers, and define policies for handling unauthenticated emails.
Essential DNS Records for Email Deliverability
1. SPF Record (Sender Policy Framework)
What it does: SPF records specify which mail servers are authorized to send email on behalf of your domain. Receiving servers check SPF records to verify that emails claiming to be from your domain are actually sent from authorized servers.
Why it matters: SPF prevents email spoofing and phishing attacks. Without SPF, anyone could send emails claiming to be from your domain, which damages your reputation and can lead to blacklisting.
Where it's located: yourdomain.com (TXT record)
Example:
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:servers.mcsv.net ~all
Key components:
v=spf1: SPF version identifierinclude:: Authorizes other services (like Gmail, Mailchimp)~allor-all: Policy for unauthorized servers (soft fail or hard fail)
2. DKIM Record (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
What it does: DKIM adds a digital signature to your emails using cryptographic keys. The signature proves that the email wasn't modified in transit and came from an authorized server.
Why it matters: DKIM provides additional authentication beyond SPF and helps build trust with receiving servers. Many email providers prioritize DKIM-signed emails.
Where it's located: selector1._domainkey.yourdomain.com (TXT record)
Example:
v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=MIGfMA0GCSqGSIb3DQEBAQUAA4GNADCBiQKBgQC...
Key components:
v=DKIM1: DKIM versionk=rsa: Key typep=: Public key (long string)
3. DMARC Record (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance)
What it does: DMARC tells receiving servers how to handle emails that fail SPF or DKIM authentication. It also provides reporting so you can monitor how your domain is being used for email.
Why it matters: DMARC provides visibility into email authentication failures and helps prevent domain spoofing. It's considered a best practice for email security and deliverability.
Where it's located: _dmarc.yourdomain.com (TXT record)
Example:
v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:dmarc@yourdomain.com; ruf=mailto:dmarc@yourdomain.com
Key components:
v=DMARC1: DMARC versionp=none|quarantine|reject: Policy (monitor, quarantine, or reject)rua=: Aggregate report email addressruf=: Forensic report email address
4. MX Records (Mail Exchange)
What it does: MX records specify which mail servers are responsible for receiving email messages for your domain. They tell other email servers where to deliver emails sent to addresses at your domain.
Why it matters: Without MX records, your domain cannot receive email. While MX records don't directly affect outbound deliverability, they're essential for complete email functionality.
Where it's located: yourdomain.com (MX record)
Example:
Priority 1: aspmx.l.google.com
Priority 5: alt1.aspmx.l.google.com
Priority 5: alt2.aspmx.l.google.com
Key components:
- Priority values (0-65535): Lower numbers = higher priority
- Mail server hostnames: Where email should be delivered
How These Records Work Together
These DNS records work together to create a comprehensive email authentication system:
- SPF authorizes which servers can send email for your domain
- DKIM adds a signature to prove emails are authentic and unmodified
- DMARC uses SPF and DKIM results to enforce policies and provide reporting
- MX records ensure your domain can receive email
When all records are properly configured, receiving servers can:
- Verify that emails are from authorized senders (SPF)
- Confirm emails haven't been tampered with (DKIM)
- Apply policies based on authentication results (DMARC)
- Deliver replies and incoming messages (MX)
Which Records Are Required?
Minimum for sending email:
- SPF record (highly recommended)
- MX records (if you receive email)
Best practice (recommended):
- SPF record
- DKIM record
- DMARC record
- MX records
For maximum deliverability:
- All four record types properly configured
- DMARC policy set to
quarantineorreject(after monitoring) - Regular monitoring of DMARC reports
Common Questions
Q: Do I need all DNS records, or can I just use SPF?
A: While SPF alone can help, using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC together provides the best protection and deliverability. DMARC requires either SPF or DKIM to pass, and having both provides redundancy if one fails.
Q: What happens if I don't have DNS records configured?
A: Without proper DNS records, your emails may be rejected or filtered into spam folders. Receiving servers can't verify that your emails are legitimate, which reduces trust and deliverability.
Q: Can I set up DNS records myself?
A: Yes, you can add DNS records through your domain registrar or DNS provider's dashboard. However, the syntax must be correct, or records won't work. Use MailMoxie's DNS Record Checker to verify your configuration.
Q: How do I know which DNS records my email service provider needs?
A: Your email service provider (Gmail, Mailchimp, SendGrid, etc.) will provide specific DNS records to add. Check their documentation or support pages for the exact records and values.
Q: What's the difference between SPF and DKIM?
A: SPF authorizes which servers can send email for your domain. DKIM adds a digital signature to prove emails are authentic. Both provide authentication, but they work differently and complement each other.
Q: Do MX records affect outbound email deliverability?
A: MX records primarily affect inbound email (receiving messages). However, some receiving servers may check MX records as part of their validation process, so properly configured MX records can indirectly help deliverability.
Q: How often do DNS records need to be updated?
A: DNS records typically don't need frequent updates. Update them when you change email providers, add new sending services, or modify your email infrastructure. Regular checks help ensure they remain correct.
Key Takeaways
- SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and MX records are essential for email deliverability
- SPF authorizes sending servers, DKIM adds signatures, DMARC enforces policies
- All records work together to authenticate emails and prevent spam filtering
- Proper DNS configuration is required for inbox placement and brand protection
- Use MailMoxie's DNS Record Checker to verify your records are configured correctly
- Regular monitoring and updates help maintain good deliverability over time