Set DNS Records
Step 1.2 of the manual setup. Add four DNS records at the provider: verification TXT, SPF, DKIM, and MX.
Prerequisite: Step 1.1: Enter Domain is complete.
What happens here: Four DNS records are added at the DNS provider so Conbool accepts the domain as verified and may sign and receive mail traffic for it.
Effort: 10 to 30 minutes input plus DNS propagation, usually a few minutes.
Conbool displays all four records ready to copy in the Verification step of the Setup Assistant. They are added one to one at the DNS provider.
Record 1. Verification, type TXT
Confirms that the domain actually belongs to the tenant.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | TXT |
| Name | _verification.yourcompany.com |
| Value | Displayed by the Setup Assistant, equals the account ID |
Record 2. SPF, type TXT
Authorizes Conbool to send emails on behalf of the domain.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | TXT |
| Name | yourcompany.com or @ |
| Value | v=spf1 include:mail.conbool.com ~all |
Important: Only one SPF record may exist per domain. If an SPF record already exists, extend it with
include:mail.conbool.cominstead of creating a new one.
Record 3. DKIM, type TXT
Signs outbound emails so recipient servers can verify authenticity.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | TXT |
| Name | conbool1._domainkey.yourcompany.com |
| Value | Displayed by the Setup Assistant, format v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=... |
DMARC tip: For optimal deliverability, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC complement each other. A recommended DMARC record is:
v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:dmarc@yourdomain.com
Record 4. MX
Ensures inbound emails are delivered to Conbool.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | MX |
| Name | yourcompany.com or @ |
| Value | mail.conbool.com. |
| Priority | 0 |
| TTL | 3600 |
Cutover tip: The MX record can be switched last. Until then, inbound mail keeps going directly to the old mail server. Once the mail server is connected in Step 2 and the connection test is green, the MX is switched.
At the DNS Provider
- Log in at the DNS provider, for example Cloudflare, IONOS, Strato, GoDaddy.
- Open the DNS settings for the domain.
- Add the four records above exactly as displayed by the Setup Assistant. A single space or quote can break the check.
- Save.
- In the Setup Assistant, click Start Validation.
Patience: Depending on the DNS provider, propagation takes up to 24 hours. In most cases the records are available within a few minutes. If a check stays red initially, wait a few minutes and validate again.
Common Errors
- Wrong hostname: The DKIM selector must be exactly
conbool1._domainkey, without the domain at the end. - Quoted value: Some providers add quotes automatically, others don't. If validation fails, try once without and once with quotes.
- Multiple SPF records: Only one SPF record per domain is allowed. Extend the existing record, don't create a new one.
- Wrong record type: Verification TXT, SPF, and DKIM are all TXT records, not CNAME.
- Propagation time: DNS changes can take up to 48 hours. If status stays red, wait a few minutes and validate again.
Done When
All four checks in the Setup Assistant show a green checkmark: verification TXT, SPF, DKIM, MX. The domain is "active".
Next Step
→ Step 2: Connect Mail Server: configure the mail server so that outbound emails flow through Conbool and inbound messages are accepted from Conbool.