> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.sequenzy.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What if I can't add the MX record for my sending domain?

> New domains verify with CNAME records and need no MX record. Older domains can switch with Upgrade DNS records, and you can pick a different return path name when adding a domain.

New sending domains do not need an MX record. They verify with CNAME records
only, so a DNS host that blocks custom MX records, or a subdomain that already
has one, is not a problem. If your domain page asks for an MX record, the
domain uses an older record set, and you have three ways around it.

## First, check where the MX record goes

The MX record Sequenzy asks for belongs on a subdomain such as
`send.yourdomain.com`, never on `yourdomain.com` itself. It handles bounces
and does not change where your normal mail is delivered, so your Google
Workspace or Microsoft 365 mailbox keeps working.

The most common mistake is adding it to the root domain. Check the **Name**
column on the domain page and enter exactly that name.

## If your DNS host will not accept it

Some hosts refuse an MX record on a subdomain, for example Namecheap while
email forwarding is on.

1. **Upgrade the domain's records.** If the domain page shows **Upgrade DNS
   records**, run it. The upgraded set replaces the MX and SPF records with
   CNAMEs. Sending is not interrupted while you switch.
2. **Add the domain again.** A domain you add today gets the CNAME record set.
   Delete the domain in Sequenzy and add it again.
3. **Message support.** If neither option is available, we can set the domain
   up for you.

## If the name is already used by another service

When you add a domain, open **Advanced options** and change **Return path** to
a different label, for example `mail` instead of the default. Sequenzy then
asks for records at that name. The return path can only be chosen when the
domain is added or during **Upgrade DNS records**, not edited afterwards.

## Without the dashboard

```bash CLI theme={null}
sequenzy websites upgrade-dns mail.example.com
```

```text MCP theme={null}
upgrade_sending_domain_dns
```

See [Upgrade Website DNS](https://docs.sequenzy.com/api-reference/websites/dns-upgrade.md).

## Related

* [Record Set for New Domains](https://docs.sequenzy.com/guides/domain-verification.md#record-set-for-new-domains)
* [Why is my domain still verifying?](https://docs.sequenzy.com/help/domain-not-verifying.md)


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