How to set up email DNS records (MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC)

To make email work for your domain with an external provider:

1. MX — add the provider's mail servers as MX records with the priorities they specify (lower number = higher priority). Remove any old/leftover MX records so only the correct ones remain.
2. SPF — add a single TXT record on @ listing authorised senders, e.g. v=spf1 include:_spf.provider.com -all. Only one SPF record is allowed per domain — merge includes if you use several senders.
3. DKIM — add the TXT record(s) at the selector your provider gives you (e.g. selector1._domainkey), containing their public key.
4. DMARC — add a TXT record on _dmarc, e.g. v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:you@example.com, starting with p=none to monitor before tightening to quarantine/reject.
5. Save and allow propagation, then send a test message and check the headers.

If you use Transcom email, we configure all of this automatically — you only need these steps for third-party mail.