How to Set Up a Dedicated Sending Domain in Google Domains

By Sparkforge Support Team ·Last reviewed May 3, 2026

To set up a Sparkforge Email dedicated sending domain in Google Domains, add five DNS records (one SPF TXT, one DKIM TXT, two MX, and one CNAME), then click Verify Domain in Email Services.

A dedicated sending domain improves deliverability and protects your reputation. This guide walks through adding the five required DNS records in Google Domains and verifying the domain inside Sparkforge Email.

Choose a main domain or a subdomain

You can configure either, but the main domain cannot already be used with Google Workspace or another email provider for sending. If your root domain handles regular email (user@example.com), use a subdomain instead.

Subdomain examples:

  • replies.companyname.com
  • support.companyname.com
  • lc.companyname.com

Start the setup in Sparkforge

  1. In your sub-account, go to Settings → Email Services → Dedicated Domain.
  2. Click + Add Domain, enter your domain or subdomain, then click Add & Verify.
  3. Leave the DNS instruction screen open. You will copy values from it into Google Domains.

Add the DNS records in Google Domains

Sign in to domains.google.com, open your domain, and click DNS. You will create five records.

Hostname rules

Do not include the root domain in the hostname.

  • Subdomain lc.companyname.com → hostname lc
  • Subdomain replies.companyname.com → hostname replies
  • Main domain companyname.com → hostname @

Record 1 - SPF (TXT)

  • Type: TXT
  • Host: matches the rule above
  • Data: v=spf1 include:mailgun.org ~all

Record 2 - DKIM (TXT)

This record is unique per domain. Copy the host and value from the Sparkforge setup screen, but strip the root domain from the host before saving.

  • Subdomain example: host becomes mx._domainkey.helpdesk
  • Main domain example: host becomes mailo._domainkey
  • Type: TXT
  • Data: the DKIM value shown in Sparkforge

Records 3 and 4 - MX

  • Type: MX
  • Host: same hostname rule (subdomain prefix or @)
  • Data: add both records
    • 10 mxa.mailgun.org
    • 10 mxb.mailgun.org

Note: if Google Workspace handles inbound mail on your root domain, only set up the dedicated sending domain on a subdomain so the MX records do not collide.

Record 5 - CNAME

  • Type: CNAME
  • Host: prefix email. to your subdomain or use email for the root
    • lc.companyname.com → email.lc
    • replies.companyname.com → email.replies
    • companyname.com → email
  • Data: mailgun.org

Verify the domain

  1. Click Save in Google Domains after all five records are entered.
  2. Return to Email Services in Sparkforge and click Verify Domain.
  3. If any record still shows red, wait a few minutes for DNS to propagate and click Verify Domain again.
  4. Once all records show green, confirm the SSL certificate is active and send a test email from a Conversation to validate delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use my main domain or a subdomain?
Use a subdomain if Google Workspace or another provider already handles email on the root domain. Use the main domain only when no other email service is bound to it.
How long does DNS propagation take?
Google Domains usually propagates within minutes, but allow up to a few hours. If verification fails, wait and click Verify Domain again before changing records.
Why is my DKIM hostname different from someone else's?
Sparkforge generates a unique DKIM selector per domain. Always copy the hostname from your specific setup screen and strip the root domain before saving in Google Domains.
Can I share MX records with Google Workspace on the same domain?
No. Mailgun MX records will conflict with Google Workspace inbound mail. Use a subdomain for the dedicated sending domain when Workspace already owns the root.
How do I confirm the domain works after verification?
Send a test email from a Sparkforge Conversation. Check that it lands in the inbox and the From address matches your dedicated domain.

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