Troubleshooting Guide: Dedicated Email Sending Domains Overview & Setup

Overview

Setting up a dedicated email-sending domain improves deliverability, strengthens your brand identity, and protects your sender reputation. Most issues during setup involve DNS conflicts, verification delays, or SSL problems. This guide explains the most common problems and provides clear solutions for configuring and maintaining a dedicated sending domain.

Q1: Why am I receiving an error that says “Domain already pointing to email server”?

A1:
This happens when the domain you’re trying to use is already configured to point to another email service.

How to Fix:

• Check DNS Records: Use a tool like MXToolbox to see if MX/SPF records are pointing to another service.

• Remove Conflicting Records: Log in to your domain host and delete any existing MX or SPF records that conflict.

• Retry Setup: Go to Settings → Email Services and add your domain again.

Fix: If the issue continues, contact your hosting provider to resolve DNS conflicts.

Q2: I cannot verify my domain’s DNS records. What should I do?

A2:
Verification can fail due to incorrect setup or DNS propagation delays.

How to Fix:

• Force Verification: Go to Settings → Email Services → Dedicated Domain and IP, then click Verify.

• Wait for Propagation: DNS updates can take up to 24 hours. Retry after waiting.

• Contact Your Host: Ask your hosting provider to confirm DNS records are configured correctly.

Fix: Once propagation is complete and records are correct, verification should succeed.

Q3: My domain is not showing an SSL certificate after verification. How can I fix this?

A3:
If SSL is missing, it usually means verification was incomplete or the host didn’t issue the certificate.

How to Fix:

• SSL Issued: No action needed.

• SSL Pending: Re-verify your domain to trigger SSL generation.

• SSL Unknown: Double-check DNS settings and re-run verification.

• If SSL is still missing, contact your hosting provider for support.

Fix: Re-verification usually resolves the issue. Otherwise, your host can manually issue the SSL.

Q4: How do I choose the best subdomain for my dedicated sending domain?

A4:
Pick a subdomain that is unique and used only for email.

How to Fix:

• Use something like emails.yourbrand.com or no-reply.yourbrand.com.

• Avoid subdomains already used for websites or apps.

Fix: A unique, email-only subdomain ensures smooth setup and better deliverability.

Q5: How do I set up a dedicated IP address for my sending domain?

A5:
A dedicated IP isolates your sending reputation from other senders.

How to Fix:

• Request/configure a dedicated IP from your email service provider.

• If unsure, contact provider support to confirm correct setup.

Fix: A properly configured dedicated IP improves email performance and protects reputation.

Q6: What should I do if I see a warning about missing SPF records?

A6:
SPF records help email providers verify your sender domain.

How to Fix:

• Review the warning to identify the affected domain.

• Update your DNS with the correct SPF record (e.g., v=spf1 include:yourprovider.com ~all).

• Save and allow DNS to propagate.

Fix: Once the SPF record is updated, the warning will disappear.