# Tracking and Bounce Domains

## Why this matters

Once your domain is [authenticated](/en/docs/senders/authenticating-domains), we strongly recommend aligning two more things on your domain: your **tracking domain** and your **bounce domain**.

This is **not mandatory, but strongly recommended**, because it:

- **Brands your links with your own domain.** All the clickable links in your campaigns are routed through a tracking domain. Aligned, they begin with *your* domain instead of a generic one, which looks more trustworthy and helps deliverability.
- **Handles your bounces properly.** The bounce domain receives delivery-status notifications for emails that bounce, which keeps your audience clean. Recipients never see it unless they inspect the email headers.
- **Makes your test links work.** Links in test emails only stay active longer once your tracking links are validated. See [My test email links are not working](/en/docs/delivery-troubleshooting/test-email-links-not-working).

## Before you start

Like domain authentication, this is done in your domain's **DNS settings** (at your registrar or hosting provider). You'll add two `CNAME` records using the exact values the platform shows you.

## Set up tracking and bounce alignment

<Stepper>

1. In the left menu, go to **Settings ▸ Domains**.

2. Scroll to **Tracking and Bounce domain alignment** and select your **Domain** from the dropdown.

3. The platform shows two records to add in your DNS, a **Tracking** record and a **Bounce** record:
   - **Type:** `CNAME`
   - **Hostname** and **Value:** copy the exact values shown for *your* domain (the hostnames look like `link.yourdomain.com` and `em.yourdomain.com`).

4. Add both `CNAME` records in your DNS provider, exactly as shown.

5. **Wait for propagation** (usually a few hours, up to 24–48 hours), then come back. Each record's **Status** changes from **Not valid** to valid once the platform detects it.

</Stepper>

![Tracking and Bounce domain alignment panel: the Tracking and Bounce CNAME records (Hostname, Type, Value, Status) the platform generates for your domain](/images/senders/tracking-and-bounce-domains.png)

## What each one does

- **Tracking domain**: builds all the links in your campaigns. When configured and validated, all your links begin with your domain name.
- **Bounce domain**: receives delivery-status notifications for bouncing emails and helps keep your audience clean. The recipient won't see this domain unless they examine the email headers.

## Troubleshooting

**A record still shows "Not valid"**

- Re-copy the **Hostname** and **Value** exactly; don't retype them.
- Make sure the record **Type** is `CNAME`.
- Allow up to 24–48 hours for DNS propagation, then check again.
- If it still won't validate, contact our Support team.

## Related articles

- [Authenticating your domain](/en/docs/senders/authenticating-domains) - Do this first
- [My test email links are not working](/en/docs/delivery-troubleshooting/test-email-links-not-working) - Test link validity
- [Adding a sender](/en/docs/senders/managing-senders) - Set up your "From" address
- [Mastering deliverability basics](/en/docs/delivery-troubleshooting/email-deliverability) - Improve inbox placement