If you're using MailChannels for email delivery, it's important to configure your SPF and TXT records correctly to ensure smooth email authentication and prevent delivery issues. This guide will walk you through updating your DNS settings for MailChannels.

What Are SPF and TXT Records?

• SPF Record: Helps prevent email spoofing by specifying which mail servers are allowed to send emails on your domain’s behalf.
• TXT Record: A flexible DNS record used for various purposes, including email validation and verification.

For MailChannels, you’ll need to update your SPF record and add a new TXT record.

General Information Before You Begin

Updating the SPF Record

1. Locate your existing SPF record in your DNS settings. It will start with something like: v=spf1
2. Add the following to your existing SPF record:

   include:relay.mailchannels.net

3. Do not remove any existing entries unless specifically instructed.
4. Example before update:

   "v=spf1 +a +mx +ip4:192.168.1.1 include:example.com ~all"

5. Example after update:

   "v=spf1 +a +mx +ip4:192.168.1.1 include:example.com include:relay.mailchannels.net ~all"

6. Save the updated SPF record.

Adding the TXT Record for MailChannels

In addition to updating your SPF record, you’ll need to add the following TXT record:

• Record Name: _mailchannels.domain.com
• Record Value: v=mc1 auth=yourhost

Replace domain.com with your actual domain name.

Updating DNS Records

To update your DNS records, follow the steps below based on your domain registrar or DNS provider.

General Steps for Updating SPF and TXT Records

1. Log into your domain registrar or DNS provider.
2. Navigate to DNS settings.
3. Locate your existing SPF record (TXT record).
4. Edit the record and add include:relay.mailchannels.net to the SPF entry.
5. Save the changes.
6. Add a new TXT record with the name _mailchannels.domain.com and the value v=mc1 auth=yourhost.
7. Save the new record.

Conclusion

Properly updating your DNS records ensures that your email is authenticated correctly and improves email deliverability when using MailChannels.

Be sure to verify your DNS changes have propagated, as it may take some time for updates to take effect.