How to set up email DNS records

Reliable email delivery depends on the right DNS records. This guide shows how to add the four records that matter most – MX, SPF, DKIM and DMARC – using the JetHost DNS Manager. Your domain must use JetHost DNS for these records to take effect.

MX – where your email is delivered

MX (Mail Exchange) records tell other mail servers which server handles email for your domain.

1. Open the DNS Manager, go to the Records tab and click + Add Record → MX.
2. In Name enter @ for the root domain.
3. In Priority enter a number – a lower value means higher priority (for example 10 for your main server).
4. In Mail server enter the mail host provided by your email service (it must be a valid hostname).
5. Check the Live Preview line, then click Save changes.

If you use JetHost email hosting, the correct MX record is usually created for you when the domain is connected. Only change it if you are moving email to another provider (for example Google Workspace or Microsoft 365), and use the exact MX values that provider gives you.

SPF – who is allowed to send

SPF (Sender Policy Framework) lists the servers allowed to send email for your domain. It is stored as a TXT record on the root domain.

1. Click + Add Record → TXT.
2. In Name enter @.
3. In the record value enter your SPF string, for example v=spf1 include:_spf.yourprovider.com ~all.
4. Click Save changes.

Keep only one SPF record per domain. If you send from more than one service, combine them into a single record using multiple include: entries.

DKIM – signing your email

DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) adds a cryptographic signature that proves your email was not altered. Your email provider gives you a selector name and a key value. Add it as a TXT record with the Name your provider specifies (for example selector1._domainkey) and paste the key value they provide.

DMARC – your policy

DMARC tells receiving servers what to do with mail that fails SPF or DKIM, and where to send reports. Add a DMARC record (or a TXT record named _dmarc) with a value such as v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:you@yourdomain.com. Start with p=none to monitor, then move to quarantine or reject once you confirm your legitimate mail passes.

Verify your setup

After saving, allow up to 24–48 hours for propagation, then send a test email and check that it is not marked as spam. Many free online tools can check your SPF, DKIM and DMARC records once they are live.

Need more help?

If your email is bouncing or landing in spam after setup, open a ticket through Client Area → Support Tickets with your domain and email provider, and our team will review your records.