# MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup

> Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel…

- Source: https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/email/mailgun/mailgun-setup-hostgator-domain-setup
- Section: Email / MailGun
- Reading time: 5 min
- Images: 25, each explained below
- Modified on Wed, 1 Jul at 7:02 AM

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Email Infrastructure

Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup

Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel.

What You'll Learn

This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two TXT records, two MX records, and one CNAME — inside HostGator's cPanel Zone Editor.

It also covers how to avoid breaking your existing Google Workspace/Gmail mail delivery while adding Mailgun's records.

Table of Contents

[1Sign up for Mailgun & add your domain](#section-1)

[2Access DNS records in cPanel](#section-2)

[3Add the 1st TXT record (SPF)](#section-3)

[4Add the 2nd TXT record (DKIM)](#section-4)

[5Add the 1st MX record](#section-5)

[6Add the 2nd MX record](#section-6)

[7Add the CNAME record](#section-7)

[8Verify DNS & finish setup](#section-8)

[9Frequently Asked Questions](#section-faq)

## 1Sign up for Mailgun & add your domain

Step 1

Sign up at [Mailgun.com](https://signup.mailgun.com/new/signup), then check your inbox to verify your email address.

![Mailgun signup confirmation screen](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284378416/original/VewuZVN3oFOFIvBdf4XqMAOX4vtVGv_jNg.png)

**Sign up for Mailgun & add your domain (image 1 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Sign up for Mailgun & add your domain" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

![Mailgun email verification confirmation](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284378421/original/GU6IL6Y3N81qm6KMH9aTz7l5FV5IEv7ySA.png)

**Sign up for Mailgun & add your domain (image 2 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Sign up for Mailgun & add your domain" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

Step 2

Log in to Mailgun, then click **Sending → Add New Domain**.

![Sending menu with Add New Domain option in Mailgun](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284378418/original/kxsnymCeuFAsBWkXaOes6QaaWED2_bfASA.png)

**Sign up for Mailgun & add your domain (image 3 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Sign up for Mailgun & add your domain" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

Step 3

If your domain is **companyname.com**, decide whether to set up the main domain or a subdomain with Mailgun.

-   **Main domain:** if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see [Mailgun's guidance](https://help.mailgun.com/hc/en-us/articles/203357040-Can-I-Use-the-Same-Domain-Name-for-Mailgun-and-for-Google-Apps-Or-Another-Email-Server-) on sharing a domain with another email server.
-   **Subdomain:** type **ANYTHING\_HERE**.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

Important

Set up the domain or subdomain under the **US** region — not EU.

Click **Add domain**.

![Adding a domain in Mailgun](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284382652/original/woVjMqNw3YY_Zjs20LoBHUb4KrThVvj_Rw.png)

**Sign up for Mailgun & add your domain (image 4 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Sign up for Mailgun & add your domain" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

Tip

The next screen asks you to add DNS records to your domain. Leave this screen open — you'll need it for the next step.

![Mailgun DNS records screen to keep open for the next step](https://help.mailgun.com/hc/article_attachments/8759612958491/Screen_Shot_2022-09-11_at_6.39.22_PM.png)

**Sign up for Mailgun & add your domain (image 5 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Sign up for Mailgun & add your domain" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

## 2Access DNS records in cPanel

Now log in to your DNS records and add the 5 DNS records Mailgun requires. This guide uses HostGator's cPanel as the example.

Step 1

Log in to [cPanel](https://portal.hostgator.com/hosting/cPanel/sso-redirect?redirect=/frontend/paper_lantern/).

Step 2

Look for the **Domains** section, then click **Zone Editor**.

![cPanel Zone Editor location](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284388376/original/0ObShEaAQ6GXG-G-sSlIwX_9uLXpFUjdCA.png)

**Access DNS records in cPanel (image 6 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Access DNS records in cPanel" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

Step 3

Locate your domain in the Zone Editor section, then click its **Manage** button to view the domain's complete set of DNS records.

![Manage button next to a domain in cPanel Zone Editor](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284388585/original/ZsKY3OvmFHtUBZWXElGKPG31Nl51EuXcFA.png)

**Access DNS records in cPanel (image 7 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Access DNS records in cPanel" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

Step 4

Click the **+Add Record** button and select **Add "TXT" Record**.

![Add TXT Record option in cPanel Zone Editor](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284388748/original/NLKDFwtDUhzgL1MKCSJEt-0sZ8a-ZR0JaA.png)

**Access DNS records in cPanel (image 8 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Access DNS records in cPanel" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

## 3Add the 1st TXT record (SPF)

![TXT record entry form in cPanel Zone Editor](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284389218/original/uUNVP51P30hs2i_U9O701kVRlGP55HpdDw.png)

**Add the 1st TXT record (SPF) (image 9 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Add the 1st TXT record (SPF)" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

Fields

**A. Name:** different for everyone — **do not include the root domain.**

-   mg.companyname.com → host name is **mg**
-   replies.companyname.com → host name is **replies**
-   Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is **@**

**B. Record:** the same for everyone — paste v=spf1 include:mailgun.org ~all.

![Mailgun screen showing the SPF TXT record to copy](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284389338/original/L_D8amxfS4rLqz8NkwMDjBWCqAuPnFqSiw.png)

**Add the 1st TXT record (SPF) (image 10 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Add the 1st TXT record (SPF)" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

**C.** Click **Add Record**.

## 4Add the 2nd TXT record (DKIM)

Click the **+Add Record** button and select **Add "TXT" Record** again.

![Add TXT Record option in cPanel Zone Editor for the second record](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284388748/original/NLKDFwtDUhzgL1MKCSJEt-0sZ8a-ZR0JaA.png)

**Add the 2nd TXT record (DKIM) (image 11 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Add the 2nd TXT record (DKIM)" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

![TXT record entry form for the DKIM record](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284389413/original/bZ319PXDv8_TwakgxeWsjd6r5-6KFjcfAA.png)

**Add the 2nd TXT record (DKIM) (image 12 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Add the 2nd TXT record (DKIM)" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

Fields

**A. Name:** this part is a little tricky. Copy everything from the beginning of the value up until the subdomain part — **do not include the root domain.** Everyone's 2nd TXT record name and record value are different.

| Example | Host name to copy | Highlighted part |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Using a subdomain | mx.\_domainkey.helpdesk | 

![Example of the host value to copy when using a subdomain](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284380215/original/t6MGY8Bw9AK1Vv01kUxtJAkNwp_4UfYjHw.png)

**Add the 2nd TXT record (DKIM) (image 13 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Add the 2nd TXT record (DKIM)" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

 |
| Using the main domain | mailo.\_domainkey | 

![Example of the host value to copy when using the main domain](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284380223/original/JSERXQQhYNvzVp7YoXhIji_yeomZNLXUKA.png)

**Add the 2nd TXT record (DKIM) (image 14 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Add the 2nd TXT record (DKIM)" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

 |

**B. Record:** different for everyone. Head back to Mailgun and copy the 2nd, much longer TXT record — highlighted in the screenshot below — and paste it here.

![Mailgun screen highlighting the long DKIM TXT record to copy](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284385043/original/UvAhE3LGN5sYkTb4kyEsXNM0GE0Uc8Eq1Q.png)

**Add the 2nd TXT record (DKIM) (image 15 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Add the 2nd TXT record (DKIM)" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

**C.** Click **Add Record**.

## 5Add the 1st MX record

![MX records section in cPanel Zone Editor](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284385538/original/qHcrrZPnp3g0LC4c75qM1hg_opwYUXgE0w.png)

**Add the 1st MX record (image 16 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Add the 1st MX record" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

Click the **+Add Record** button and select **Add "MX" Record**.

![Add MX Record form in cPanel Zone Editor](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284389907/original/18xrjivpU7RYPDJqHY2wnce79K3AkwJe0A.png)

**Add the 1st MX record (image 17 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Add the 1st MX record" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

Heads Up

If you have a Google Workspace account capturing incoming email for your main domain, make sure you're using a subdomain for Mailgun instead. See [Can I Use the Same Domain Name for Mailgun and for Google Apps (Or Another Email Server)?](https://help.mailgun.com/hc/en-us/articles/203357040-Can-I-Use-the-Same-Domain-Name-for-Mailgun-and-for-Google-Apps-Or-Another-Email-Server-)

![MX record fields highlighted in cPanel](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284390505/original/nO1ZhMzBXp4ZqlhfzX1QYLxgGT0_ET-_vg.png)

**Add the 1st MX record (image 18 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Add the 1st MX record" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

Fields

**A. Name:** different for everyone —

-   mg.companyname.com → host name is **mg**
-   replies.companyname.com → host name is **replies**
-   Main domain → host name is **@**

**B. Priority:** 10 — the same for everyone, no matter what domain you're setting up.

**C. Destination:** the same for everyone — paste mxa.mailgun.org.

Click **Save Record**.

## 6Add the 2nd MX record

Click the **+Add Record** button and select **Add "MX" Record** again. This time we'll add a second record pointing to mxb.mailgun.org.

![Add second MX Record form in cPanel Zone Editor](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284389907/original/18xrjivpU7RYPDJqHY2wnce79K3AkwJe0A.png)

**Add the 2nd MX record (image 19 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Add the 2nd MX record" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

![Second MX record fields highlighted in cPanel](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284390505/original/nO1ZhMzBXp4ZqlhfzX1QYLxgGT0_ET-_vg.png)

**Add the 2nd MX record (image 20 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Add the 2nd MX record" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

Fields

**A. Name:** different for everyone —

-   mg.companyname.com → host name is **mg**
-   replies.companyname.com → host name is **replies**
-   Main domain → host name is **@**

**B. Priority:** 10 — the same for everyone.

**C. Destination:** the same for everyone — paste mxb.mailgun.org.

Click **Save Record**.

## 7Add the CNAME record

![CNAME section in cPanel Zone Editor](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284385721/original/3LyKoigujZ-vEjMFQDflCfmRRfAJra3rYA.png)

**Add the CNAME record (image 21 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Add the CNAME record" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

Click the **+Add Record** button and select **Add "CNAME" Record**.

![Add CNAME Record option in cPanel](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284390884/original/13yHoywGcgf3oSslLKzD03Sj9MAxoJQGfA.png)

**Add the CNAME record (image 22 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Add the CNAME record" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

![CNAME record entry form in cPanel](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284391213/original/QLb8ArxkgSrQsXJzo63PddCcQRhylQBGHw.png)

**Add the CNAME record (image 23 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Add the CNAME record" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

Fields

**A. Name:** different for everyone. Head back to Mailgun to copy the host name — copy everything from the beginning up until the subdomain part, **do not copy the main domain**.

-   mg.companyname.com → host name is **email.mg**
-   replies.companyname.com → host name is **email.replies**
-   Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is **email**

![Mailgun CNAME host name to copy](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284385985/original/OtLw_A4zY8FbLbBKqMB9kUKRaQJO3xpp8A.png)

**Add the CNAME record (image 24 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Add the CNAME record" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

**B. Record:** the same for everyone — paste mailgun.org.

**C.** Click **Save Record**.

## 8Verify DNS & finish setup

Now that you've added all 5 records, go back to Mailgun and click **Verify DNS Settings**. If some records still aren't showing a green checkmark, click the same button again — DNS propagation can take a little time.

![Verify DNS Settings button in Mailgun](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/48284387965/original/I7T5QQCSjAnBvT1zqQlVgXSuNdgfuNiM3w.png)

**Verify DNS & finish setup (image 25 of 25)**

This screenshot appears in the "Verify DNS & finish setup" section of "MailGun Setup - HostGator Domain Setup". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Mailgun + HostGator Domain Setup Step-by-step DNS configuration for connecting Mailgun to a domain hosted with HostGator's cPanel. What You'll Learn This guide walks through signing up for Mailgun, adding your domain, and configuring the five DNS records Mailgun requires — two…. This part of the guide covers 7 fields, listed below.
- Fields: mg.companyname.com → host name is mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is @, Main domain → host name is @, mg.companyname.com → host name is email.mg, replies.companyname.com → host name is email.replies, Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email
- Controls: Sending → Add New Domain, companyname.com, ANYTHING_HERE, US, Add domain, Domains, Zone Editor, Manage, +Add Record, Add "TXT" Record, do not include the root domain., mg

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- Main domain (companyname.com) → host name is email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Full procedure:

1. Main domain: if you use the main domain, it should not also be used with Google Workspace or any other email provider — see Mailgun's guidance on sharing a domain with another email server.
2. Subdomain: type ANYTHING_HERE.companyname.com — for example mg.companyname.com, replies.companyname.com, or support.companyname.com.

Next Steps

Once all records are verified, grab your [Mailgun API key and add it to your email service settings](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/email/mailgun/mailgun-private-api-key-setup).

Then send a test email to confirm everything works — see [how to send a test email in the Conversation](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/email/troubleshooting-email/how-to-send-a-test-email-in-the-conversation).

## 9Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where do I find the Zone Editor in cPanel?

Log in to cPanel, look for the Domains section, and click Zone Editor. From there, find your domain and click Manage to view and add DNS records.

Q: Should I use my main domain or a subdomain with Mailgun?

If you already use your main domain with Google Workspace or another email provider, use a subdomain (like mg.companyname.com) for Mailgun instead to avoid mail routing conflicts.

Q: What does "do not include the root domain" mean for the Name field?

In cPanel's Zone Editor, the Name field only needs the subdomain portion — the root domain is added automatically. So for mg.companyname.com, you'd enter just "mg", not the full domain.

Q: Will this break my existing Gmail or Google Workspace email?

Not if you use a subdomain for Mailgun rather than your main domain, and leave your existing MX records for Google Workspace untouched on the main domain.

Q: How long does it take for DNS records to verify?

DNS propagation is usually fast, but it can occasionally take a few hours. If a record isn't showing green yet, wait a bit and click Verify DNS Settings again.

Q: What do I do after all 5 records show a green checkmark?

Grab your Mailgun API key, add it to your email service settings, and send a test email in a conversation to confirm delivery is working.

---

Documentation for GHL Customer Care. Support: support@ghlcustomercare.com