Configuring Mailgun Email Delivery with a GoDaddy Domain
Overview
This guide explains how to configure a domain registered with GoDaddy to work with Mailgun for email delivery. You will add five DNS records in GoDaddy to authenticate and route your emails through Mailgun.
Before You Begin
Decide whether to use your main domain or a subdomain with Mailgun. If you already use Google Workspace or another email service on your main domain, use a subdomain (e.g., mg.yourdomain.com) to avoid conflicts.
Step 1: Set Up Your Domain in Mailgun
Sign up for a Mailgun account and verify your email. In the Mailgun dashboard, navigate to Sending and click Add New Domain. Enter your domain or subdomain, select the US region, and add the domain. Keep the DNS records screen open for reference.
Step 2: Access GoDaddy DNS Settings
Log into your GoDaddy Domain Portfolio. Find your domain, click the three-dot menu, and select Edit DNS. This opens the DNS management interface where you will add records.
Step 3: Add the SPF TXT Record
Click Add to create a new record. Set Type to TXT. For Host, enter @ for the main domain or your subdomain prefix (e.g., mg for mg.yourdomain.com). In TXT Value, paste v=spf1 include:mailgun.org ~all. Save the record.
Step 4: Add the DKIM TXT Record
Add another TXT record. Copy the unique host name from Mailgun (e.g., mx._domainkey.yoursubdomain without the root domain) and paste it into the Host field. Paste the corresponding long TXT value from Mailgun into the TXT Value field. Save the record.
Step 5: Add the First MX Record
Create an MX record. Set Type to MX. For Host, use @ for the main domain or your subdomain prefix. Set Points to to mxa.mailgun.org and Priority to 10. Save the record.
Step 6: Add the Second MX Record
Add another MX record with the same Host value. Set Points to to mxb.mailgun.org and Priority to 10. Save the record.
Step 7: Add the CNAME Record
Create a CNAME record. Set Type to CNAME. For Host, use the value from Mailgun (e.g., email.mg for mg.yourdomain.com). Set Points to to mailgun.org. Save the record.
Step 8: Verify DNS in Mailgun
Return to Mailgun and click Verify DNS Settings. If some records show as unverified, wait a few minutes and try again—DNS changes can take time to propagate. Once verified, note your API key for use in your CRM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I encounter errors?
Double-check all DNS entries in GoDaddy match the values provided by Mailgun exactly. Ensure your domain is set to the US region in Mailgun.
Can I use a subdomain?
Yes. When adding your domain in Mailgun, specify a subdomain (e.g., mg.yourdomain.com) and use the corresponding host values in your DNS records.
How do I monitor email performance?
Use the Mailgun dashboard to track opens, clicks, bounces, and spam reports to maintain good deliverability.
What if I don't see Edit DNS in GoDaddy?
Ensure you are in the Domain Portfolio view and clicking the correct three-dot menu next to your domain name.