DNS configuration: MX, TXT, and SPF records

Connecting a custom domain requires adding DNS records at your registrar. This guide explains each record type in detail.

Overview of required records

Record	Purpose	Required?
MX	Routes incoming email to Cleanbox	Yes
TXT (verification)	Proves domain ownership	Yes
TXT (SPF)	Authorizes Cleanbox to handle email	Recommended

MX record

Type:     MX
Name:     @ (or leave blank for root domain)
Value:    mx1.cleanbox.to
Priority: 10
TTL:      3600

Remove conflicting MX records if switching entirely to Cleanbox. If using Relay alongside your existing mail server, see the Relay documentation.

TXT verification record

Type:     TXT
Name:     @
Value:    cleanbox-verify=your-unique-token
TTL:      3600

SPF record

If you have no existing SPF record:

v=spf1 include:_spf.cleanbox.to ~all

If you already have one, add include:_spf.cleanbox.to before the ~all:

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:_spf.cleanbox.to ~all

A domain must have exactly one SPF record. Merge, do not duplicate.

Provider-specific guides

Cloudflare

1. Go to DNS > Records
2. Add MX: Name @, Value mx1.cleanbox.to, Priority 10
3. Add TXT records for verification and SPF

Namecheap

1. Go to Domain List > Manage > Advanced DNS
2. Add MX: Host @, Value mx1.cleanbox.to. (trailing dot), Priority 10

Amazon Route 53

1. Create record: Type MX, Value 10 mx1.cleanbox.to
2. Create record: Type TXT, Value "cleanbox-verify=your-token"

Verifying DNS

dig MX yourdomain.com +short
dig TXT yourdomain.com +short

DNS propagation usually takes 5-30 minutes. In rare cases up to 48 hours.