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How to Add a Primary Domain or Subdomain in Cloudflare?

I. Prerequisites​

Before you start, make sure you have:

  • A domain name (e.g., example.com)
  • A registered and logged-in Cloudflare account
  • Your domain already added to Cloudflare (NS records pointed to Cloudflare)

II. Access the DNS Management Interface​

  1. Log in to Cloudflare
  2. Select your domain
  3. Click DNS in the top menu
  4. Go to the Records page

III. Add DNS Records​

Add the following records one by one using the parameters provided by your email service provider (uSpeedo).

1. Add SPF Record (TXT)​

Used to specify which servers are allowed to send emails on behalf of your domain.

  • Type: TXT
  • Name: @ (or your domain)
  • Content: v=spf1 include:xxx ~all
  • TTL: Auto

2. Add DKIM Record (CNAME)​

Used for email signature verification and improved deliverability.

  • Type: CNAME
  • Name: xxx._domainkey
  • Target: xxx.uspeedo.net
  • TTL: Auto

⚠️ Note:

  • Must be set to DNS Only (gray cloud)
  • Do not enable Cloudflare proxy (orange cloud)

3. Add DMARC Record (TXT)​

Used to enforce email authentication policies.

4. Add MX Record (If You Need to Receive Emails)​

If you also need to receive emails:

  • Type: MX
  • Name: @
  • Value: Mail server address
  • Priority: 10 (or as required by your provider)

IV. Important Configuration Notes​

❗ 1. Disable Proxy (Critical) For these records:

  • MX
  • TXT (SPF / DMARC)
  • CNAME (DKIM)

👉 Must be set to: DNS Only (gray cloud)

Otherwise:

  • DNS will not resolve correctly
  • Email authentication will fail
  • Emails will go to spam

❗ 2. DNS Propagation Time

  • Typical: 5 minutes ~ 2 hours
  • Maximum: 24 ~ 48 hours

❗ 3. Incomplete Automatic DNS Scanning Cloudflare automatically scans existing records, but:

  • May miss MX / email records
  • Manual supplementation is required

V. Verify Domain Configuration​

After completing DNS setup:

  1. Return to the uSpeedo Console
  2. Click Verify Domain
  3. Wait for the verification to pass

VI. FAQ​

❓ Why does verification fail? Common causes:

  • DKIM not set to DNS Only
  • Incorrect SPF value
  • DNS not yet propagated
  • Wrong subdomain used

❓ Can I use a subdomain? Yes, recommended: mail.yourdomain.com

Benefits:

  • Does not affect root domain reputation
  • Easier to isolate sending traffic

❓ Does Cloudflare support CNAME? Yes, but:

  • Root domain (example.com) does not support CNAME
  • Subdomains can use CNAME

1. Use a Subdomain for Sending​

Recommended:
- mail.xxx.com
- send.xxx.com

Not recommended:
- xxx.com (direct sending)

2. Separate by Purpose​

Transactional emails:
- notify.xxx.com

Marketing emails:
- promo.xxx.com

3. Complete All Three Authentications​

You must have all three:

  • SPF
  • DKIM
  • DMARC

Otherwise: 👉 Emails will easily end up in the spam folder

VIII. Summary​

Complete these steps to send emails normally:

  • Add SPF / DKIM / DMARC
  • Disable proxy (DNS Only)
  • Wait for DNS propagation
  • Verify the domain in the platform