Why this matters
To authenticate your domain and align your tracking and bounce domains, you add a few DNS records wherever your domain's DNS is managed (usually your domain registrar or hosting provider).
The records themselves are generated for you in Settings ▸ Domains. This article shows the general process and where to find your DNS settings at common providers.
Before you start
Open Settings ▸ Domains and keep it handy. For each record you'll need three things, all available with the Copy to clipboard buttons:
- the record Type (
TXTorCNAME) - the Name / Host
- the Value
DNS records reference
Here are the records that authenticate and brand your sending domain. Replace [DOMAIN] with your sending domain and [CID] with your Client ID. The values are the same everywhere and are generated for you in Settings ▸ Domains - copy them from there exactly rather than retyping.
DKIM - proves your emails really come from you.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | TXT |
| Name | c[CID]._domainkey.[DOMAIN]. |
| Value | v=DKIM1;k=rsa;p=… (copy the full key from Settings ▸ Domains) |
DMARC - helps protect your domain from spoofing.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | TXT |
| Name | _dmarc.[DOMAIN] |
| Value | v=DMARC1; p=none; |
Tracking - brands the links in your campaigns.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | CNAME |
| Name | link.[DOMAIN] |
| Value | c[CID].md02.com. |
Bounce - handles delivery-status notifications for emails that fail.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | CNAME |
| Name | em.[DOMAIN] |
| Value | c[CID].md02.com. |
The general process (any provider)
-
Log in to the account that manages your domain's DNS (your registrar or hosting provider).
-
Open your DNS settings. They're usually labeled DNS, DNS Management, Manage DNS, Name Servers, or Advanced DNS.
-
Add a new record and choose the Type shown in your settings (
TXTorCNAME). -
Paste the Name/Host and Value exactly, using Copy to clipboard. Do not retype them; a single extra space or character will stop it from working.
-
Save the record. Add the other records the same way (one at a time).
-
Wait for propagation (usually a few hours, sometimes up to 48 hours), then return to Settings ▸ Domains to verify.
If your DNS tool only accepts a prefix (for example _dmarc instead of _dmarc.yourdomain.com), that's fine. Our system evaluates the complete record automatically.
Where DNS settings are usually found
The exact wording changes over time and differs by provider, so if you don't see these labels, search your provider's help for "add a TXT record" or "add a CNAME record".
| Provider | Usually found under |
|---|---|
| GoDaddy | Your domain, then DNS / Manage DNS |
| Cloudflare | Your domain, then DNS ▸ Records |
| Namecheap | Domain List ▸ Manage ▸ Advanced DNS |
| OVH | Domain names, your domain, then DNS zone |
| Squarespace (formerly Google Domains) | Your domain, then DNS settings |
| Other providers | Look for DNS, Advanced DNS, or Name Servers |
Troubleshooting
My record won't validate
- Re-copy the Name and Value with Copy to clipboard; do not type them by hand.
- Confirm the record Type matches what your settings show (
TXTorCNAME). - Remove any extra spaces or quotes your DNS tool may have added.
- Allow up to 48 hours for propagation, then check again.
If it still won't validate, contact our Support team with a screenshot of the records you entered.
Related articles
- Authenticating your domain - The DKIM and DMARC records
- Tracking and bounce domains - The tracking and bounce CNAME records
- Adding a sender - Set up your "From" address