Setting Up DNS Records for Email on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Configure MX, DKIM, DMARC, SPF, and SRV records through your domain's DNS settings
- Use presets for popular email providers like Google Workspace and Zoho Mail to save time
- Add custom DNS records manually when your provider isn't in the preset options
- Squarespace automatically combines multiple SPF records but only allows one DMARC record
- Test your setup after making changes to ensure emails flow properly
Getting Started with DNS Records
Head to your domain's dashboard in Squarespace and select the domain you want to manage. If you've got multiple domains, make sure you're working on the right one before making changes.
MX Records: Routing Your Emails
MX records tell the internet where to send emails for your domain. Squarespace sets up Google MX records by default, but you'll need to change these if you're using a different email service.
Using Preset Options
Squarespace has presets for common email providers like Google Workspace, Fastmail, and Zoho Mail. These save you from typing in all the technical details manually.
Adding Custom MX Records
When your email provider isn't in the preset list, you'll need to add records manually:
- Go to DNS Settings and click 'Add record'
- Choose MX from the record type dropdown
- Enter the priority number and mail server address your email provider gave you
- Add the subdomain if your provider requires it (most don't)
Each email provider will give you specific details about what to enter. The priority number matters – lower numbers get tried first.
Authenticating Emails: DKIM and SPF Records
DKIM and SPF records are both TXT records that help prove your emails are legitimate. Without these, your emails might end up in spam folders.
Adding DKIM Records
Your email provider will give you a DKIM record that looks like a long string of random characters. Copy this exactly into a new TXT record in your DNS settings.
Setting Up SPF Records
SPF records list which servers are allowed to send emails from your domain. Squarespace handles something clever here – you can add multiple SPF records and it'll combine them automatically.
Squarespace supports records up to 2048 bits, so you won't need to split long records like you might with other providers.
Implementing DMARC for Enhanced Security
DMARC records work with SPF and DKIM to give you better control over email security. They tell other email servers what to do if an email fails authentication checks.
Add DMARC records through the DNS settings as TXT records. You can only have one DMARC record active at a time. If you need policies from multiple services, you'll need to merge the instructions into a single record.
Connecting Services via SRV Records
SRV records connect your domain to specific services. Email providers sometimes need these for features like calendar sharing or contact syncing.
Your service provider will give you the details you need:
- Service type and protocol
- Priority and weight numbers
- Target server and port
Enter these in the DNS settings under the SRV record type.
FAQs
Can I add multiple SPF records on Squarespace?
Yes, Squarespace automatically combines multiple SPF records into one. This is handy when you're using several different email services.
How many DMARC records can I have?
Just one active DMARC record. If you need policies from different providers, you'll need to merge them into a single record.
Can I replace preset records with custom ones?
Yes, you can remove any preset configuration and add your own custom records instead.
How long do DNS changes take to work?
Usually within a few hours, but it can take up to 48 hours for changes to propagate everywhere.
Jargon Buster
MX Records: Tell the internet which server handles emails for your domain
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): Adds a digital signature to prove emails really came from your domain
SPF (Sender Policy Framework): Lists which servers are allowed to send emails from your domain
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication Reporting and Conformance): Uses SPF and DKIM results to decide what happens to emails that fail checks
SRV Record: Connects specific services to your domain, like email or calendar features
Wrap-up
Setting up email DNS records in Squarespace is pretty straightforward once you know where everything goes. The presets handle most common setups, and the custom record options cover everything else.
The key things to remember: use presets when possible, copy record details exactly as your email provider gives them to you, and test your setup after making changes. If emails aren't flowing properly after a day or two, double-check your records against your provider's documentation.
Most email issues come down to typos in DNS records or missing authentication records, so take your time when entering the details.
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