Overview
This guide demonstrates how to add a root domain or subdomain to Google Domains and configure the (sub)domain with each Mailgun DNS record. This guide assumes that you have already created your Google Domains account.
While this guide is intended to be as helpful and comprehensive as possible, there is a small possibility that you will encounter an error or issue of some kind while configuring your DNS records within Google Domains. If that is the case, we recommend contacting Google Domains' Support Team as they will be able to most quickly identify and resolve the issue (or, at minimum, provide next steps).
Deciding between a root domain or subdomain
Deciding which domain to use - especially whether to use your root domain or a subdomain of that root domain - is key before proceeding any further. As this can be a challenging decision to make, we recommend reviewing the following Mailgun articles if needed:
- Choosing a domain name
- The basics of email subdomains
- Can I use the same domain name for Mailgun and my personal email account?
Nevertheless, let's briefly review two key terms: root domains and subdomains.
Examples of root domains include mailgun.com, mydnsexample.com, or google.com. Examples of subdomains include relay.mailgun.com, mg.mydnsexample.com, or mail.google.com. Notice the pattern: subdomains have an extra prefix (or sometimes multiple prefixes) before the primary domain name itself. In most cases using a subdomain with Mailgun is preferred, but we cover this topic more comprehensively in the above articles.
Finally, once a decision has been reached, add the (sub)domain to your Mailgun account, and our system will generate the various DNS records needed . We cover adding (and deleting) domains in detail within this in-depth guide.
Adding the domain
There are two methods of adding a domain or subdomain within Google Domains:
- Method 1: Registering a new domain/subdomain with Google Domains
- Method 2: Transferring an existing (sub)domain's registration from another Domain Registrar to Google Domains
The first method of adding a (sub)domain within the Google Domains Control Panel only takes 5 steps, and this is the method covered in this guide. We will list those steps below, but if desired, you can also reference Google Domain's Adding (Buying) A Domain articles. If you already have a domain purchased and registered elsewhere, you'll need to transfer the domain to Google Domains (see the next paragraph).
However, the second method of adding a (sub)domain within the Google Domains Control Panel is not covered in this article; nonetheless, Google Domains documents how the transfer process works within their system. Transferring a domain's registration between Domain Registrars is an intricate process, and a mistake can have catastrophic impact upon your online presence. Therefore, it is our recommendation to contact the Domain Registrar if you have any questions or encounter any issues regarding with the Domain Registration and Nameserver Management processes. See also section "The Domain Registrar And Nameserver Records" of the guide for more details.
A third method, configuring an existing (sub)domain's nameservers within the Domain Registrar to reference Google Domains rather than the current DNS provider, is not possible within Google Domains' system.
Tip: For larger images, right-click and select the option "Open Image in New Tab" (or Window).
-
Login to your account.
- If not already selected, click the Get a new domain option on the left-hand navigation pane. Then, enter the new domain name you wish to add (buy/purchase) from Google Domains inside the center textbox.
-
Choose the desired domain ending (.TLD) for your domain. Then, click the shopping cart circular icon (located to the right of the heart circular icon), which adds the domain to your Google shopping cart.
-
Choose the desired options in your cart and proceed to the next page.
-
Enter your contact information for ICANN and complete the domain registration process.
Configuring the domain
Once the domain has been added, you may access it in the future using the following steps.
- If you're shown the My domains page upon login, you'll see a list of domains in the center of the page. Click the Manage link found within the row that contains the domain name in question.
-
Click the DNS option on the left-hand navigation pane.
-
View, create, or edit the desired DNS records for the domain within the Resource records section in the middle of the page.
Configuring SPF
SPF records help protect your domain against spoofed emails and decrease* the likelihood your emails will be flagged as spam. (* Exceptions apply: e.g. actual spam/phishing emails will still be considered as such by mailbox providers even with the presence of an SPF record.)
Additionally to our guide, Google Domains does provide their own SPF tutorial (though it is generalized for each type of record in their system). Interested in more extensive technical details concerning SPF records? Please reference this Mailgun article, RFC 7208, or Google Domains' technical documentation.
Tip: For larger images, right-click and select the option "Open Image in New Tab" (or Window).
Configuring a root domain with the SPF record
Within your Google Domains Control Panel, enter the SPF record information that is displayed in your Mailgun Control Panel. (In the Mailgun Control Panel, you'll click on the Sending option followed by the Domain settings suboption found within in the left-hand navigation pane, and then click on the DNS records tab).
Both the image above and the table below - using an example domain called mydnsexample.com - provide additional guidance for adapting certain values (such as the Hostname) into Google Domains' system. Other DNS nuances and problematic scenarios that you may encounter are also explained in detail. Generally, the bolded-in-blue-text within the table can be copied-and-pasted for each field, unless it is noted otherwise (such as the DKIM value, which is unique for every Mailgun domain).
Please note: when configuring a new DNS record for a domain within Google Domains, you must click the "Create new record" link (imaged in the screenshot above); otherwise, you will modify an existing DNS record.
Field | Enter |
---|---|
Host name |
(no value is entered in this field) Notes:
|
Type |
SPF Notes:
|
TTL (Seconds) |
300 Notes:
|
Data |
v=spf1 include:mailgun.org ~all Notes:
|
Configuring a subdomain with the SPF record
Within your Google Domains Control Panel, enter the SPF record information that is displayed in your Mailgun Control Panel. (In the Mailgun Control Panel, you'll click on the Sending option followed by the Domain settings suboption found within in the left-hand navigation pane, and then click on the DNS records tab).
Both the image above and the table below - using an example subdomain called mg.mydnsexample.com - provide additional guidance for adapting certain values (such as the Hostname) into Google Domains' system. Other DNS nuances and problematic scenarios that you may encounter are also explained in detail. Generally, the bolded-in-blue-text within the table can be copied-and-pasted for each field, unless it is noted otherwise (such as the DKIM value, which is unique for every Mailgun domain).
Please note: when configuring a new DNS record for a domain within Google Domains, you must click the "Create new record" link (imaged in the screenshot above); otherwise, you will modify an existing DNS record.
Field | Enter |
---|---|
Host name |
mg Notes:
|
Type |
SPF Notes:
|
TTL (Seconds) |
300 Notes:
|
Data |
v=spf1 include:mailgun.org ~all Notes:
|
Configuring DKIM
DKIM records help authenticate your domain against forged emails and decrease* the likelihood your emails will be flagged as spam. (* Exceptions apply: e.g. actual spam/phishing emails will still be considered as such by mailbox providers even with the presence of an DKIM record.)
Additionally to our guide, Google Domains does provide their own DKIM tutorial (though it is generalized for each type of record in their system). Interested in more extensive technical details concerning DKIM records? Please reference this Mailgun article, RFC 6376, or Google Domains' technical documentation.
Tip: For larger images, right-click and select the option "Open Image in New Tab" (or Window).
Configuring a root domain with the DKIM record
Within your Google Domains Control Panel, enter the DKIM record information that is displayed in your Mailgun Control Panel. (In the Mailgun Control Panel, you'll click on the Sending option followed by the Domain settings suboption found within in the left-hand navigation pane, and then click on the DNS records tab).
Both the image above and the table below - using an example domain called mydnsexample.com - provide additional guidance for adapting certain values (such as the Hostname) into Google Domains' system. Other DNS nuances and problematic scenarios that you may encounter are also explained in detail. Generally, the bolded-in-blue-text within the table can be copied-and-pasted for each field, unless it is noted otherwise (such as the DKIM value, which is unique for every Mailgun domain).
Please note: when configuring a new DNS record for a domain within Google Domains, you must click the "Create new record" link (imaged in the screenshot above); otherwise, you will modify an existing DNS record.
Field | Enter |
---|---|
Host name |
pic._domainkey Notes:
|
Type |
TXT Notes:
|
TTL (Seconds) |
300 Notes:
|
Data |
k=rsa; p=MIGfMA0GCSqGSIb3DQEBAQUA Notes:
|
Configuring a subdomain with the DKIM record
Within your Google Domains Control Panel, enter the DKIM record information that is displayed in your Mailgun Control Panel. (In the Mailgun Control Panel, you'll click on the Sending option followed by the Domain settings suboption found within in the left-hand navigation pane, and then click on the DNS records tab).
Both the image above and the table below - using an example subdomain called mg.mydnsexample.com - provide additional guidance for adapting certain values (such as the Hostname) into Google Domains' system. Other DNS nuances and problematic scenarios that you may encounter are also explained in detail. Generally, the bolded-in-blue-text within the table can be copied-and-pasted for each field, unless it is noted otherwise (such as the DKIM value, which is unique for every Mailgun domain).
Please note: when configuring a new DNS record for a domain within Google Domains, you must click the "Create new record" link (imaged in the screenshot above); otherwise, you will modify an existing DNS record.
Field | Enter |
---|---|
Host name |
pic._domainkey.mg Notes:
|
Type |
TXT Notes:
|
TTL (Seconds) |
300 Notes:
|
Data |
k=rsa; p=MIGfMA0GCSqGSIb3DQEBAQUA Notes:
|
Configuring MX
MX records describe where emails intended for your domain should be sent.
Additionally to our guide, Google Domains does provide their own MX tutorial (though it is generalized for each type of record in their system). Interested in more extensive technical details concerning MX records? Please reference RFC 5321 or Google Domains' technical documentation.
Tip: For larger images, right-click and select the option "Open Image in New Tab" (or Window).
Configuring a root domain with the MX records
Within your Google Domains Control Panel, enter the MX records information that is displayed in your Mailgun Control Panel. (In the Mailgun Control Panel, you'll click on the Sending option followed by the Domain settings suboption found within in the left-hand navigation pane, and then click on the DNS records tab).
Both the image above and the table below - using an example domain called mydnsexample.com - provide additional guidance for adapting certain values (such as the Hostname) into Google Domains' system. Other DNS nuances and problematic scenarios that you may encounter are also explained in detail. Generally, the bolded-in-blue-text within the table can be copied-and-pasted for each field, unless it is noted otherwise (such as the DKIM value, which is unique for every Mailgun domain).
Please note: when configuring a new DNS record for a domain within Google Domains, you must click the "Create new record" link (imaged in the screenshot above); otherwise, you will modify an existing DNS record.
Field | Enter |
---|---|
Host name |
Notes:
|
Type |
MX Notes:
|
TTL (Seconds) |
300 Notes:
|
Data |
10 mxa.mailgun.org 10 mxb.mailgun.org Notes:
|
Configuring a subdomain with the MX records
Within your Google Domains Control Panel, enter the MX records information that is displayed in your Mailgun Control Panel. (In the Mailgun Control Panel, you'll click on the Sending option followed by the Domain settings suboption found within in the left-hand navigation pane, and then click on the DNS records tab).
Both the image above and the table below - using an example subdomain called mg.mydnsexample.com - provide additional guidance for adapting certain values (such as the Hostname) into Google Domains' system. Other DNS nuances and problematic scenarios that you may encounter are also explained in detail. Generally, the bolded-in-blue-text within the table can be copied-and-pasted for each field, unless it is noted otherwise (such as the DKIM value, which is unique for every Mailgun domain).
Please note: when configuring a new DNS record for a domain within Google Domains, you must click the "Create new record" link (imaged in the screenshot above); otherwise, you will modify an existing DNS record.
Field | Enter |
---|---|
Host name |
mg Notes:
|
Type |
MX Notes:
|
TTL (Seconds) |
300 Notes:
|
Data |
10 mxa.mailgun.org 10 mxb.mailgun.org Notes:
|
Configuring CNAME
CNAME records alias (point or direct) one domain name to another domain name, which in this case effectively associates your emails with Mailgun and allows tracking of opens and clicks.
Additionally to our guide, Google Domains does provide their own CNAME tutorial (though it is generalized for each type of record in their system). Interested in more extensive technical details concerning MX records? Please reference RFC 1034 or Google Domains' technical documentation.
Tip: For larger images, right-click and select the option "Open Image in New Tab" (or Window).
Configuring a root domain with the CNAME record
Within your Google Domains Control Panel, enter the CNAME record information that is displayed in your Mailgun Control Panel. (In the Mailgun Control Panel, you'll click on the Sending option followed by the Domain settings suboption found within in the left-hand navigation pane, and then click on the DNS records tab).
Both the image above and the table below - using an example domain called mydnsexample.com - provide additional guidance for adapting certain values (such as the Hostname) into Google Domains' system. Other DNS nuances and problematic scenarios that you may encounter are also explained in detail. Generally, the bolded-in-blue-text within the table can be copied-and-pasted for each field, unless it is noted otherwise (such as the DKIM value, which is unique for every Mailgun domain).
Please note: when configuring a new DNS record for a domain within Google Domains, you must click the "Create new record" link (imaged in the screenshot above); otherwise, you will modify an existing DNS record.
Field | Enter |
---|---|
Host name |
Notes:
|
Type |
CNAME Notes:
|
TTL (Seconds) |
300 Notes:
|
Data |
mailgun.org Notes:
|
Configuring a subdomain with the CNAME record
Within your Google Domains Control Panel, enter the CNAME record information that is displayed in your Mailgun Control Panel. (In the Mailgun Control Panel, you'll click on the Sending option followed by the Domain settings suboption found within in the left-hand navigation pane, and then click on the DNS records tab).
Both the image above and the table below - using an example subdomain called mg.mydnsexample.com - provide additional guidance for adapting certain values (such as the Hostname) into Google Domains' system. Other DNS nuances and problematic scenarios that you may encounter are also explained in detail. Generally, the bolded-in-blue-text within the table can be copied-and-pasted for each field, unless it is noted otherwise (such as the DKIM value, which is unique for every Mailgun domain).
Please note: when configuring a new DNS record for a domain within Google Domains, you must click the "Create new record" link (imaged in the screenshot above); otherwise, you will modify an existing DNS record.
Field | Enter |
---|---|
Host name |
email.mg Notes:
|
Type |
CNAME Notes:
|
TTL (Seconds) |
300 Notes:
|
Data |
mailgun.org Notes:
|
The domain registrar and nameserver records
A somewhat common situation we witness concerns a customer having recently migrated (or currently being in the process of migrating) from one DNS hosting provider to another; however, their Mailgun DNS records are failing to verify within their Mailgun Control Panel. Perhaps you yourself are experiencing this exact situation. If so, there is a solution: update the domain's registration information.
Whenever anyone switches DNS hosting providers (e.g. from DigitalOcean to Google Domains), they must also update their Nameserver (NS) records within their Registrar's system. Your Registrar is the company through whom you purchased the domain and with whom the domain is registered on the Internet. As a note, Google Domains is a Domain Registrar, but they may not be your domain's Registrar.
If you need assistance identifying the Registrar for your domain, the ICANN WHOIS website can assist you in this task. Alternatively, you can use a MacOS/Linux terminal to obtain this information:
Scan the output results for the line that contains the Registrar URL information. It is this field that will identify the domain's Registrar and their website.
For more guidance on updating your registrar and the associated nameserver records to reflect your DNS hosting with Google Domains, please review Google Domains' nameserver documentation and registration documentation (although their documentation discusses only their system, not the systems of other Domain Registrars). Additionally, if you're experiencing a domain registration issue, it is best to reach out to the Registrar directly. Mailgun, in such a scenario, would not have any insight additional to the publicly available WHOIS information mentioned above.
Need Support?
Our Support Team here at Sinch Mailgun is happy to help! Reach out to us in the Support page of your Mailgun Control Panel, and we'll be with you shortly!