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Set up email DNS on DigitalOcean
Reviewed by the Free Domain Mail editorial team · Updated
DigitalOcean DNS can publish email records for domains delegated to its nameservers, while the mailbox itself remains with your mail provider.
Open the domain records
Open Networking, choose Domains, then select the domain.
Create MX, TXT and CNAME records one at a time and copy the mail-provider values exactly.
Check delegation first
Confirm the domain uses DigitalOcean nameservers before editing records there.
After saving, run DNS Checker and verify that the public answer matches the new record.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Adding records before delegating the domain to DigitalOcean nameservers.
- Appending the root domain twice to DKIM hostnames.
- Replacing unrelated TXT verification records.
Frequently asked questions
Does DigitalOcean provide the mailbox?
No. Its DNS points to the separate service that sends and receives your mail.
Can I keep the website on DigitalOcean?
Yes. Website and email records can coexist in the same DNS zone.
Technical references
Primary specifications and provider documentation relevant to this guide: