Setting up DNS records for Xendy

Introduction

When sending emails through Xendy, properly configuring your domain’s DNS records is essential. These records not only verify your domain for sending emails but also build trust with recipient mail servers, ensuring your messages are delivered to inboxes instead of spam folders. Without these settings, you cannot send emails from Xendy.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

1. What DNS records are and why they’re critical.
2. The specific records you need to configure for Xendy.
3. Step-by-step instructions to add, verify, and test these records.
4. Common errors to avoid and how to fix them.

By the end of this process, your domain will be verified, and you’ll be ready to send authenticated emails using Xendy with improved deliverability and security.

What Are DNS Records?

DNS (Domain Name System) records are configurations stored on your domain’s DNS server that define various functions, including email authentication and delivery. Think of DNS as the phonebook of the internet—it translates human-readable domain names (like example.com) into the technical information that servers need to send emails or load websites.

For email marketing platforms like Xendy, DNS records are essential for ensuring your emails are authenticated and trusted by recipient servers. Without these records, emails may be flagged as spam, rejected, or fail to send entirely.

Why Are DNS Records Important for Email Sending?

1. Email Authentication:

   • DNS records verify that Xendy is authorized to send emails on behalf of your domain. This prevents your emails from being flagged as spam or rejected by recipient mail servers.

2. Domain Reputation:

   • Proper DNS settings establish your domain as a legitimate sender, improving your email deliverability.

3. Prevents Spoofing:

   • By authenticating your domain, DNS records protect it from being used for phishing or spoofing attacks.

The Required DNS Records for Xendy

To send emails through Xendy, you need to configure the following DNS records:

CNAME records (3)

• Purpose: Used for branding email links (e.g., tracking and unsubscribes) and linking your domain to Xendy.
• Example: The CNAME records are unique per custom
  • Hostname: email.example.com
  • Points to: cname.xendy.net

MX record (1)

• Purpose: Directs incoming emails to the correct mail server for your domain.
• Example:
  • Hostname: example.com
  • Mail server: mail.xendy.net

SPF record (1)

• Purpose: Specifies which servers are authorized to send emails on behalf of your domain, preventing unauthorized emails.
• Example:
  • Record type: TXT
  • Value: v=spf1 include:xendy.me ~all

DMARC record (1)

• Purpose: Provides instructions to mail servers on how to handle unauthorized emails and sends you reports on domain usage.
• Example:
  • Record type: TXT
  • Value: v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc-reports@example.com

With these records, your domain will be configured to send authenticated emails through Xendy, ensuring better deliverability and security.

How to Add DNS Records for Xendy

Setting up DNS records for Xendy is a straightforward process. In this section, we’ll walk you through the steps to add the required DNS records to your domain and ensure proper email authentication.

Step 1: Access your DNS settings

To begin, you need access to your domain’s DNS management system. This is usually provided by your domain registrar or DNS hosting provider, such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, or others.

How to Access DNS Settings:

1. Log in to your domain registrar or DNS hosting account.
2. Navigate to the DNS management or zone file editor section.
3. Identify your domain from the list (if you have multiple domains).

Step 2: Retrieve DNS records from Xendy

1. Log in to your Xendy account.
2. In the left menu, go to “Link your domain to Xendy.”
3. Enter the domain name you wish to use for sending emails and click Verify.
4. Click “View DNS Records” to see the specific records required for your domain. These will include:
   • 3 CNAME records
   • 1 MX record
   • 1 SPF record
   • 1 DMARC record

Step 3: Add each record

Now, use the records provided by Xendy to configure your domain.

1. Add CNAME records (3):

• Purpose: Used for tracking email links and branding.
• Steps:
  • In your DNS settings, click “Add record” and select CNAME.
  • Enter the subdomain (e.g., email.example.com) and the value provided by Xendy (e.g., cname.xendy.net).
  • Save the record.

2. Add the MX record (1):

• Purpose: Directs incoming emails to the correct server.
• Steps:
  • Click “Add record” and select MX.
  • Enter your domain name (e.g., example.com) and the mail server provided by Xendy (e.g., mail.xendy.net).
  • Save the record.

3. Add the SPF record (1):

• Purpose: Authorizes Xendy’s servers to send emails on your behalf.
• Steps:
  • Click “Add record” and select TXT.
  • In the value field, enter the SPF record provided by Xendy (e.g., v=spf1 include:xendy.net ~all).
  • Save the record.

4. Add the DMARC record (1):

• Purpose: Provides mail servers with instructions for handling unauthorized emails.
• Steps:
  • Click “Add record” and select TXT.
  • In the value field, enter the DMARC record provided by Xendy (e.g., v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc-reports@example.com).
  • Save the record.

Step 4: Save and wait for propagation

• Once you’ve added all the records, save the changes.
• DNS changes can take up to 24-48 hours to propagate fully across the internet.

Verifying your DNS records in Xendy

After adding the required DNS records for your domain, it’s crucial to verify that they’ve been configured correctly. Xendy offers an easy way to confirm whether the records are set up properly, ensuring you can start sending authenticated emails from your domain.

Step 1: Return to the domain verification page

1. Log in to your Xendy account.
2. Navigate to “Link your domain to Xendy” in the left menu.
3. Find the domain you’re configuring and click “Verify.”

Step 2: Run the verification process

• When you click Verify, Xendy checks the DNS records associated with your domain.
• It validates whether all required records (CNAMEs, MX, SPF, and DMARC) have been added correctly.

Step 3: Understanding the verification results

If verification is successful:

• You’ll see a confirmation message stating that your domain is verified.
• You can now start sending emails from this domain through Xendy.

If verification fails:

• Xendy will display which DNS records are missing, incorrect, or incomplete.
• Common reasons for verification failure include:
  • Missing records: One or more records haven’t been added to your DNS settings.
  • Propagation delays: DNS changes haven’t fully propagated yet (this can take up to 48 hours).
  • Typos or misconfigurations: Errors in the hostnames or values entered for the DNS records.

What to do:

• Review the DNS records provided by Xendy and double-check your entries in your DNS management system.
• Use an online tool like MXToolbox to troubleshoot the specific issue.

Step 4: Retry verification

• Once you’ve corrected any issues, return to the Xendy dashboard and click Verify again.
• Repeat the process until all DNS records are confirmed as correctly configured.

Testing your DNS setup

Even after verifying your DNS records in Xendy, it’s a good practice to perform additional tests to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Proper testing confirms that your email authentication is set up properly, reducing the risk of delivery issues.

Why test your DNS setup?

• Ensure accuracy: Verify that all records (CNAME, MX, SPF, and DMARC) are configured correctly.
• Avoid delivery issues: Prevent emails from being flagged as spam or rejected by recipient mail servers.
• Identify errors early: Catch misconfigurations before they impact your campaigns.

How to test your DNS records

Test CNAME records

• Use an online DNS lookup tool like MXToolbox or WhatsMyDNS to confirm that your CNAME records are correctly pointing to the specified Xendy servers.
• Steps:
  1. Open the DNS lookup tool.
  2. Enter the CNAME record hostname (e.g., email.example.com).
  3. Check that it points to the correct value provided by Xendy (e.g., cname.xendy.net).

Test MX records

• Ensure your MX record directs emails to the correct mail server.
• Steps:
  1. Perform an MX lookup using a tool like MXToolbox.
  2. Enter your domain name (e.g., example.com).
  3. Confirm that the MX record points to the server provided by Xendy (e.g., mail.xendy.net).

Test the SPF record

• SPF records specify which servers can send emails on your behalf.
• Steps:
  1. Use an SPF lookup tool like MXToolbox SPF Check.
  2. Enter your domain name.
  3. Verify that the SPF record includes Xendy’s servers (e.g., v=spf1 include:xendy.net ~all).

Test the DMARC record

• DMARC records provide instructions for handling unauthorized emails.
• Steps:
  1. Use a DMARC testing tool like DMARC Analyzer or MXToolbox DMARC Check.
  2. Enter your domain name.
  3. Confirm the DMARC policy is correctly configured (e.g., v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc-reports@example.com).

Interpreting test results

If all tests pass:

• Your DNS setup is correct, and you’re ready to send authenticated emails using Xendy.

If a test fails:

• Check for common issues:
  • Typos in the hostname or value fields.
  • Missing or incorrectly entered records.
  • DNS propagation delays (wait up to 48 hours).
• Use the error details provided by the testing tool to fix the specific problem.

Tips for ongoing DNS monitoring

• Regularly test your DNS records to ensure they remain configured correctly.
• Monitor DMARC reports for unauthorized usage of your domain.
• Use Xendy’s campaign reports to track email deliverability metrics and address any issues promptly.

Common DNS configuration errors

Even with a step-by-step guide, DNS configuration can sometimes go wrong. Mistakes in your DNS records can prevent emails from being delivered or authenticated, impacting your campaigns and sender reputation. Below are some common errors to watch out for and how to fix them.

Missing or incomplete DNS records

What happens:

One or more required DNS records (CNAME, MX, SPF, or DMARC) were not added to your DNS settings or are incomplete.

Symptoms:

• Domain verification in Xendy fails.
• Email deliverability issues occur.

Solution:

• Double-check the records provided by Xendy and ensure they are all added to your DNS settings.
• Verify each record using tools like MXToolbox or WhatsMyDNS.

Typos or incorrect values

What happens:

A typo in the hostname, value, or priority field causes the record to fail.

Symptoms:

• DNS record checks show mismatches.
• Emails fail to authenticate.

Solution:

• Carefully review the DNS records provided by Xendy and compare them to what you’ve entered in your DNS management system.
• Fix any discrepancies, save changes, and allow propagation time.

Overlapping SPF records

What happens:

Adding multiple SPF records for the same domain causes authentication failures, as only one SPF record is allowed per domain.

Symptoms:

• SPF authentication fails in email tests.
• Bounce messages indicate SPF issues.

Solution:

• Combine multiple SPF entries into a single record by including all required domains in one line.
• Example: v=spf1 include:xendy.net include:otheremailprovider.com ~all

Delayed DNS propagation

What happens:

DNS changes can take up to 24-48 hours to propagate fully across the internet.

Symptoms:

• DNS testing tools don’t show updated records immediately.
• Xendy domain verification fails even after adding the records.

Solution:

• Wait up to 48 hours for DNS propagation to complete.
• Use a propagation checker like WhatsMyDNS to confirm that the changes are taking effect globally.

Incorrect DMARC policy setup

What happens:

The DMARC record is misconfigured, missing key fields, or uses an invalid email address for reporting.

Symptoms:

• DMARC tests fail, or reports are not received.
• Recipient servers handle unauthorized emails inconsistently.

Solution:

• Use a correct DMARC policy format, such as:
  v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc-reports@example.com

• Ensure the email address for reporting (rua) is valid and monitored.

Conflicting or incorrect MX records

What happens:

The MX record doesn’t point to the correct mail server or conflicts with other email services.

Symptoms:

• Incoming emails fail to reach your domain.
• MX record tests show incorrect server addresses.

Solution:

• Verify the MX record provided by Xendy matches your DNS settings.
• If using multiple email services, ensure priorities are correctly assigned to avoid conflicts.

Missing CNAME records for tracking

What happens:

CNAME records required for email link tracking or branding are missing or misconfigured.

Symptoms:

• Email tracking features (e.g., opens or clicks) don’t work.
• Links redirect incorrectly or show errors.

Solution:

• Verify each CNAME record using a DNS checker to confirm it points to the correct Xendy-provided value.

Summary of common DNS errors and fixes

Error	Symptoms	Fix
Missing records	Verification fails	Add all required records
Typos or incorrect values	Mismatched record data	Double-check and correct entries
Overlapping SPF records	SPF authentication fails	Combine into one SPF record
Delayed propagation	Updates not reflected immediately	Wait 24-48 hours, check propagation
Incorrect DMARC policy	Reports not received, test fails	Use valid DMARC format
Conflicting MX records	Incoming emails fail	Verify MX server and priorities
Missing CNAME records	Tracking features don’t work	Add correct CNAME records

By avoiding these common mistakes and troubleshooting issues proactively, you can ensure a smooth DNS configuration process and maximize your email deliverability.

Why proper DNS configuration is critical

Setting up DNS records correctly is not just a technical formality—it’s the foundation for ensuring your email campaigns are successful. Proper DNS configuration enhances email deliverability, builds trust with recipients, and safeguards your domain from misuse.

Improves email deliverability

• What it does:
  Proper DNS records authenticate your emails, signaling to recipient servers that the emails are legitimate. This reduces the risk of your emails being flagged as spam or rejected outright.
• Key factors:
  • SPF: Ensures only authorized servers can send emails on behalf of your domain.
  • DKIM: Verifies that your email content hasn’t been altered during transmission.
  • DMARC: Guides recipient servers on how to handle unauthorized or suspicious emails.

Without these records, your emails might never reach the inbox, no matter how well-designed your campaigns are.

Protects your sender reputation

• Why it matters:
  High bounce rates or spam complaints can damage your sender reputation, leading to poor deliverability and potential blacklisting of your domain or IP.

• How DNS helps:

  • Ensures recipient servers trust your emails.
  • Prevents your domain from being associated with spam-like behavior.

A verified sender reputation helps maintain long-term success in email marketing.

Prevents email spoofing and phishing

• What is spoofing?
  Email spoofing occurs when malicious actors use your domain to send fraudulent emails, often for phishing scams.

• How DNS protects your domain:

  • SPF: Prevents unauthorized servers from sending emails using your domain.
  • DMARC: Instructs recipient servers to reject unauthenticated emails or quarantine them.

By implementing DNS authentication, you ensure that only trusted emails represent your domain, protecting your brand’s integrity.

Builds trust with recipients

• Why trust matters:
  When recipient servers recognize your domain as legitimate, they’re more likely to deliver your emails directly to the inbox instead of filtering them as spam.

• How DNS helps:

  • Verifies your domain’s authenticity.
  • Ensures recipients feel secure interacting with your emails (e.g., clicking links, opening attachments).

This trust translates into higher open rates, better engagement, and more effective campaigns.

Enables advanced features in Xendy

• Why it’s important:
  Certain email features in Xendy, like link tracking and branding, depend on DNS records being properly set up. Without CNAME records, for instance, tracking email opens or clicks may not function correctly.

• What you gain:

  • Accurate analytics for email performance.
  • Enhanced user experience with branded links and domains.

Supports compliance with email standards

• Why it’s critical:
  Email standards like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are becoming mandatory in many industries. Setting up DNS records ensures your campaigns comply with these standards, avoiding penalties or reduced deliverability.

Frequently asked questions