Adding and verifying a custom domain
Custom domains let you use your own domain for email aliases instead of @cleanbox.me. This is ideal for businesses that want branded forwarding addresses (e.g., support@yourdomain.com) or individuals who already own a domain.
Prerequisites
- A domain you own with access to its DNS settings
- A Cleanbox plan that includes custom domains (Personal or higher)
Step 1: Add your domain
- Navigate to Domains in the sidebar
- Click "Add domain"
- Enter your domain name (e.g.,
yourdomain.com) - Click "Add"
Cleanbox generates the DNS records you need to configure at your DNS provider.
Step 2: Configure DNS records
You'll need to add three types of DNS records. Cleanbox shows you the exact values — copy them to your DNS provider.
MX record (required)
The MX record tells the internet where to deliver email for your domain. Point it to Cleanbox's mail servers:
| Type | Name | Value | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| MX | @ (or your domain) |
mx1.cleanbox.to |
10 |
Important: If you already have MX records (e.g., pointing to Gmail or Outlook), you need to decide: do you want all email for this domain to go through Cleanbox, or just specific aliases? If you want to keep your existing email working alongside Cleanbox, consider using Relay instead of changing MX records.
TXT verification record (required)
This proves you own the domain. Add a TXT record with the verification token shown on the domain setup page:
| Type | Name | Value |
|---|---|---|
| TXT | @ (or your domain) |
cleanbox-verify=xxxxxxxx (your unique token) |
SPF record (recommended)
SPF tells receiving servers that Cleanbox is authorized to handle email for your domain. Add or update your SPF record:
| Type | Name | Value |
|---|---|---|
| TXT | @ |
v=spf1 include:_spf.cleanbox.to ~all |
If you already have an SPF record, add include:_spf.cleanbox.to before the ~all or -all at the end. Do not create a second SPF record — a domain can only have one.
Step 3: Verify your domain
After adding the DNS records, go back to the domain page in Cleanbox and click "Verify". Cleanbox will check:
- The TXT verification token is present
- The MX record points to Cleanbox
- SPF is configured (optional but recommended)
If verification fails, the most common causes are:
DNS propagation
DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate globally. Most providers update within 5–15 minutes. If verification fails immediately after adding records, wait 15 minutes and try again.
Incorrect record values
Double-check that you copied the exact values from the Cleanbox setup page. Common mistakes:
- Adding a trailing dot to the MX value (some providers require it, others don't)
- Adding quotes around the TXT value (some DNS panels add them automatically)
- Using the wrong record name (should be
@for the root domain)
After verification
Once your domain is verified:
- You can create aliases on your domain (e.g.,
anything@yourdomain.com) - All Cleanbox features work identically to @cleanbox.me aliases
- Shield protection can be applied per alias
- Filters work across all your aliases, including custom domain ones
Deactivating and deleting a domain
Deactivating a domain temporarily stops accepting email for it. Aliases on the domain become inactive but are preserved. Re-activate anytime to restore functionality.
Deleting a domain permanently removes it and all associated aliases. This cannot be undone. Make sure you no longer need any aliases on the domain before deleting.
