How to Verify your DNS Settings
After setting up your custom mail domain DNS records, it is crucial to verify that they are correctly configured. This guide will walk you through the verification process to ensure your email domain is ready for use with A1Base.
Recommended Tools:
- Command Line (CLI): Use
dig
ornslookup
to verify DNS records directly - Tools:
- MxToolbox: Comprehensive suite of DNS checking tools
- Google Admin Toolbox: Simple interface for checking MX records
Why DNS Verification Is Important
Correctly configured DNS records are essential for:
- Email delivery: Ensures your emails reach their destination
- Sender reputation: Helps prevent your emails from being marked as spam
- Security: Protects your domain from email spoofing and phishing attacks
What Records to Verify
Before using any verification tools, understand what you’re looking for:
1. MX Records
Verify that your MX record points to mail.a101.bot
with priority 10
:
2. SPF Records
Verify your SPF record is correctly formatted and includes the A1Mail server:
3. DKIM Records
Verify your DKIM record exists and contains the public key provided by A1Mail:
4. DMARC Records
Verify your DMARC record is correctly formatted:
Verification Tools
Shortcuts:
1. Command Line Tools
You can use command line tools like dig
or nslookup
to verify your DNS records:
2. MxToolbox
MxToolbox provides comprehensive DNS checking tools:
- For MX records: Use the MX Lookup tool
- Enter:
mail.yourdomain.com
- Enter:
- For SPF records: Use the SPF Record Lookup tool
- Enter:
mail.yourdomain.com
(exact host)
- Enter:
- For DKIM records: Use the DKIM Lookup tool
- Enter:
subdomain._domainkey.yourdomain.com
(You can find this in the A1Mail email dashboard)
- Enter:
- For DMARC records: Use the DMARC Lookup tool
- Enter:
_dmarc.yourdomain.com
(exact host)
- Enter:
3. Google Admin Toolbox
Google Admin Toolbox provides a simple interface to check MX records and email delivery:
- Go to Google Admin Toolbox
- Enter your domain name and click Check MX
- Review the results to ensure your MX records are correctly configured
Troubleshooting Common Issues
DNS Propagation Delays
DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate worldwide. If your verification fails initially, wait a few hours and try again.
Incorrect Record Format
Ensure there are no typos or formatting errors in your DNS records. Even small errors can cause verification to fail.
Missing Records
Verify that all required records (MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC) are present. Missing any one of these can affect email deliverability.
Cloudflare Proxy Enabled
If using Cloudflare, ensure the proxy (orange cloud) is disabled for all email-related DNS records. Email requires direct DNS resolution.
Need Help?
If you’re still having trouble verifying your DNS settings, feel free to reach out to our team at [email protected] for assistance.