DNS guide
Adding email records in Namecheap
Namecheap uses relative host names: @ for the root domain, _dmarc for DMARC.
By Ahmet Karaca · Updated · Checked against Namecheap documentation on
Steps
- Open Domain List and click Manage next to your domain.
- Go to the Advanced DNS tab and click Add New Record under Host Records.
- Choose the type, enter the Host and Value, keep TTL on Automatic and click the green check mark.
Common mistakes
- Never type the domain into Namecheap's Host field. Even when a provider shows s1._domainkey.example.com, enter only s1._domainkey.
- A CNAME record on the bare domain stops mail at Namecheap, because the CNAME takes priority over your MX records. Remove it before setting up mail.
- Namecheap adds an SPF record automatically for its own services, such as Private Email, and that record doesn't appear on the Advanced DNS tab. When another sender needs SPF, create one SPF TXT record that includes Namecheap's servers and every other sender, as in Namecheap's example v=spf1 include:spf.privateemail.com include:spf.easywp.com ~all.
- Using Namecheap Web Hosting together with PremiumDNS means SPF and other mail records are not created for you; Namecheap says to add them manually.
Watch out for
- MX records for mailboxes live under Mail Settings → Custom MX on the same tab.
Frequently asked questions
When should a new Namecheap host record start answering?
Namecheap says newly created host records normally take effect within about 30 minutes.
How long can a TXT value be at Namecheap?
Up to 2500 characters in the Value field, with up to 60 characters in the Host field.
Which Namecheap DNS options let me add these records on Advanced DNS?
BasicDNS, PremiumDNS and FreeDNS; with BasicDNS the records apply only while the Nameservers setting is Namecheap BasicDNS. If the domain uses Namecheap Web Hosting DNS, add the records in cPanel instead.
Does Namecheap's Email Forwarding create MX records for me?
Yes. Choosing Email Forwarding under Mail Settings sets the MX records automatically; choose Custom MX instead when mail goes to a third-party service.
What to add
Pick the service you're setting up to see the exact records:
Mailbox providers
Marketing platforms
Official reference: Namecheap documentation.
Check your Namecheap setup
Or open the SPF checker, DKIM checker or DMARC checker directly.