# DNS Setup for Bento

Configure DNS records to authenticate your domain for Bento email sending. Proper DNS setup ensures your emails reach the inbox instead of spam folders and helps maintain a strong sender reputation. In addition, many email providers now require these records (Gmail, Yahoo, Microsoft).


> ⚠️ **Warning**
> Adding DNS records is required for any customer sending over 5,000 emails on any given day. This is a new requirement from Gmail and Yahoo introduced in February 2024.


## Why DNS Configuration is Required

Email authentication has become critical for deliverability. When you send emails through Bento, receiving email servers check your domain's DNS records to verify that Bento is authorized to send emails on your behalf. Email authentication through DNS records helps:

- **Improve deliverability** - ISPs trust authenticated emails more
- **Prevent spoofing** - Protects your domain from being impersonated
- **Build sender reputation** - Establishes trust with email providers
- **Reduce spam filtering** - Authenticated emails are less likely to be marked as spam


> 🚨 **Important**
> Never edit or delete the DNS records once they're working. This will break email authentication and hurt your deliverability.


## DNS Provider Guides

Choose your DNS provider below for step-by-step setup instructions:

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          Cloudflare
        
        
      
    
  

  
    
      
        
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          GoDaddy
        
        
      
    
  

  
    
      
        
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          Namecheap
        
        
      
    
  

  
    
      
        
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          AWS Route 53
        
        
      
    
  

  
    
      
        
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          Hover
        
        
      
    
  


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## Required DNS Records

You'll need to add these 6 DNS records to authenticate your domain with Bento:

### CNAME Records (4 required)
- **Purpose**: Domain verification and link tracking
- **Format**: Subdomain pointing to Bento's servers
- **TTL**: 3600 seconds (1 hour) recommended

### TXT Records (2 required)
- **Purpose**: SPF and DKIM authentication
- **Format**: Text strings containing authentication data
- **TTL**: 3600 seconds (1 hour) recommended


> The values above are examples. You can find your specific DNS records in Bento under `System > DNS`. Each domain will have unique values.


## General Setup Instructions

If your DNS provider isn't listed above, follow these general steps:


div]:mb-3">
  <Timeline.Item title="Add Domain in Bento">
    <p>Go to `Settings → DNS` and add your domain to generate the required DNS records.</p>
  </Timeline.Item>

  <Timeline.Item title="Access DNS Management">
    <p>Log into your DNS provider's control panel and navigate to DNS management for your domain.</p>
  </Timeline.Item>

  <Timeline.Item title="Add CNAME Records">
    <p>Create 4 CNAME records using the values provided in your Bento dashboard.</p>
  </Timeline.Item>

  <Timeline.Item title="Add TXT Records">
    <p>Create 2 TXT records for SPF and DKIM authentication using the provided values.</p>
  </Timeline.Item>

  <Timeline.Item title="Wait for Propagation">
    <p>DNS changes can take 5 minutes to 48 hours to propagate globally, though most changes are live within an hour.</p>
  </Timeline.Item>

  <Timeline.Item title="Verify in Bento">
    <p>Return to Bento and click "Verify Domain" to confirm all records are properly configured.</p>
  </Timeline.Item>


<hr />

## Troubleshooting Common Issues


  
    
  
  
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      ## Testing Your DNS Records

      Use these tools to verify your DNS records are properly configured:

      ### Online DNS Lookup Tools
      - **[DNSChecker](https://dnschecker.org)**: Test DNS propagation from multiple global locations
      - **[WhatsMyDNS](https://www.whatsmydns.net)**: Simple propagation checker with global perspective

      ### Command Line Tools
      ```
      # Check CNAME records
      dig CNAME your-subdomain.yourdomain.com

      # Check TXT records
      dig TXT yourdomain.com

      # Check from specific DNS server
      dig @8.8.8.8 TXT yourdomain.com
      ```

      
> Replace `yourdomain.com` and `your-subdomain` with your actual domain and the subdomains from your Bento DNS records.

    </div>
  


## DNS Propagation Timeline


> ⚠️ **Warning**
> Most DNS changes propagate within 1 hour, but allow up to 48 hours for complete global propagation before contacting support.


## Next Steps

Once your DNS records are verified:

1. **Test Email Sending**: Send a test email to verify everything works
2. **Monitor Deliverability**: Check your email performance in Bento's dashboard
3. **Maintain Records**: Don't modify or delete these DNS records
4. **Scale Confidently**: You're now ready to send high-volume email campaigns


> 🚨 **Important**
> Never edit or delete the DNS records once they're working. This will break email authentication and hurt your deliverability.


<hr />

## Need Help?

If you encounter issues or have questions:

- Check our provider-specific guides above for detailed instructions
- Join the Bento [Discord](https://discord.gg/ssXXFRmt5F) for community support
- Contact Bento support through the dashboard

Your email deliverability depends on proper DNS configuration, so take the time to set it up correctly!