Definition
Email DNS records are entries in your domain's DNS configuration that control how email is routed, authenticated and delivered. Key records include MX (mail routing), SPF (authorized sender servers), DKIM (message signing) and DMARC (policy and reporting).
MX records tell receiving servers where to deliver your mail. SPF, DKIM and DMARC authenticate it, proving your mail is legitimate and from your domain, which directly impacts inbox placement and spoof protection.
Setting these up correctly — and keeping them aligned — is foundational. Errors here cause delivery failures and can allow spoofing. Use validation tools, keep records consistent with your sending infrastructure and monitor DMARC reports.
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Related Glossary Terms
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Batch Sending
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BIMI
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Bounce Classification
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Complaint Rate
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DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
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Frequently Asked Questions
The essentials are MX for routing and SPF, DKIM and DMARC for authentication, so your mail is delivered and verifiably from your domain.
The MX record tells mail servers where to deliver mail for your domain, pointing to the servers that accept and process your inbound email.
SPF lists authorized senders, DKIM signs messages, and DMARC sets policy and reporting, tying the others together to authenticate mail and block spoofing.