Understanding DNS Records

1. Overview

To connect your domain to MelMe, you must add a few DNS (Domain Name System) records at your domain registrar. Think of DNS as the phone book of the internet. By adding these records, you are updating your domain's "phone book listing" so other mail servers know how to route mail to your domain and verify your identity.

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2. Why This Matters

Without updating your DNS records, your domain cannot interact with MelMe:

• Mail sent to your custom address won't find our servers.
• Outgoing mail sent from your custom address will be flagged as spam by Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo because your domain hasn't officially given MelMe permission to send mail.

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3. How to Use It (Understanding the Records)

MelMe will generate three categories of DNS records for you:

1. The Verification (TXT) Record

• What it does: Proves to MelMe that you are the real owner of the domain.
• Analogy: Showing your ID card at a secure entrance.
• How to enter it: Add a TXT record with the host name and value provided in the dashboard.

2. The Mail Exchange (MX) Record

• What it does: Tells the entire internet that all incoming emails for your domain should be delivered to MelMe's secure server post office.
• Analogy: Putting a change-of-address form in at the post office so your mail gets forwarded to your new home.
• How to enter it: Add an MX record. Set host to @ (or leave blank), set value to the mail server address, and set priority to 10.

3. The DKIM (CNAME) Records

• What it does: "DomainKeys Identified Mail" adds a secure digital signature to all outgoing mail.
• Analogy: Wax-sealing your letters with your family crest so recipients know they haven't been opened or forged.
• How to enter it: Add the three CNAME records provided in MelMe. Copy the Host names and Values exactly.

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4. Common Mistakes

• Leaving old MX records active: If you previously used another email host (like Zoho, Webmail, or Yandex), you must delete those old MX records. If you keep both, some emails will route to the old host and others to MelMe, creating chaotic delivery errors.
• Adding duplicate host names: Some registrars automatically append your domain to the Host field. If MelMe provides verification.yourdomain.com as the host and your registrar automatically adds yourdomain.com, you might accidentally enter verification.yourdomain.com.yourdomain.com. Look closely at your registrar's input fields!

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5. Tips