Blog
Set up email DNS on Cloudflare
Reviewed by the Free Domain Mail editorial team · Updated
Cloudflare DNS can host your mail records while your domain stays registered elsewhere. Add the values your email provider gives you exactly.
Add records
Open the domain in Cloudflare, choose DNS, then Add record. Select the Type shown in your setup instructions.
For root-domain MX or TXT records, use @ when Cloudflare asks for the name.
Avoid proxying mail
MX, TXT and CNAME records used for email authentication should be DNS-only. Do not use Cloudflare's orange proxy for mail records.
Keep existing website A and CNAME records unless you intentionally change website hosting.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Adding the domain name twice to a hostname.
- Using the proxied cloud for a mail-related record.
- Replacing an existing SPF TXT record instead of merging legitimate senders.
Frequently asked questions
What TTL should I choose?
Auto or one hour is usually fine for a first setup.
Can Cloudflare receive email?
Cloudflare DNS points mail to your email provider; it does not itself store mailboxes.
Technical references
Primary specifications and provider documentation relevant to this guide: