export const dnsSection = '/docs/images/dns/cloudflare/cf-dns-section.webp'
export const cnameSection = '/docs/images/dns/cloudflare/cf-add-cname.webp'
export const textSection = '/docs/images/dns/cloudflare/cf-add-text.webp'
export const recordList = '/docs/images/dns/cloudflare/cf-record-list.webp'


# Setup Cloudflare DNS for Bento

This guide will walk you through configuring the required DNS records in Cloudflare to authenticate your domain for Bento email sending. By adding these records, you'll ensure optimal email deliverability and prevent your emails from being marked as spam. 


> ⚠️ **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.


## Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:
- Access to your Cloudflare account
- Your domain added to Cloudflare as a hosted zone
- Administrator permissions to modify DNS records

## Required DNS Records

You'll need to add 6 DNS records to your domain to begin sending emails with Bento:


```
example              CNAME  example.test.sendgrid.net
bbb._domainkey       CNAME  bbb.domainkey.example.test.sendgrid.net
bbb2._domainkey      CNAME  bbb2.domainkey.example.test.sendgrid.net
bento                CNAME  ga.bentoemail.com
bento3180._domainkey TXT    k=rsa; p=example...
_dmarc               TXT    v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; adkim=s
```


You can find your specific DNS records in Bento under `System > DNS`. The values above are examples - use the actual values provided in your Bento account.


  
**1. Access Cloudflare DNS Management**

  
    
      
        <ol className="space-y-2">
          <li>Log into your Cloudflare account at cloudflare.com</li>
          <li>Click on your domain from the list of sites</li>
          <li>Navigate to the <strong>DNS</strong> section in the sidebar</li>
          <li>You'll see the DNS management interface with your existing records</li>
        </ol>
        
        
> If you don't see your domain listed, you'll need to add it to Cloudflare first through their onboarding process.

      
      
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**2. Add CNAME Records**

  
    
      
        You'll need to add 4 CNAME records. Let's show you an example of one:
        
        <ol className="space-y-2">
          <li>Click the <strong>Add record</strong> button</li>
          <li>Select <strong>CNAME</strong> from the Type dropdown</li>
          <li>In the <strong>Name</strong> field, enter: <code>example</code></li>
          <li>In the <strong>Target</strong> field, enter: <code>example.test.sendgrid.net</code></li>
          <li>Set <strong>TTL</strong> to <strong>Auto</strong> (recommended)</li>
          <li>Ensure the <strong>Proxy status</strong> is set to <strong>DNS only</strong> (gray cloud)</li>
          <li>Click <strong>Save</strong></li>
        </ol>

        
> ⚠️ **Warning**
> The Proxy status must be set to "DNS only" (gray cloud). Do not enable the orange cloud proxy for these DNS records as it will prevent proper email authentication.

        
        Repeat this process for the remaining CNAME records for example:
        - `bbb._domainkey` → `bbb.domainkey.example.test.sendgrid.net`
        - `bbb2._domainkey` → `bbb2.domainkey.example.test.sendgrid.net`
        - `bento` → `ga.bentoemail.com`

        
> 🚨 **Important**
> The example domain is for demonstration purposes only. Please use your own domain records from Bento <code>SYSTEM -> DNS</code> in the menu.

      
      
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**3. Add TXT Records**

  
    
      
        Now you'll add 2 TXT records. Let's start with the DKIM record:
        
        <ol className="space-y-2">
          <li>Click the <strong>Add record</strong> button</li>
          <li>Select <strong>TXT</strong> from the Type dropdown</li>
          <li>In the <strong>Name</strong> field, enter: <code>bentoEXAMPLE._domainkey</code></li>
          <li>In the <strong>Content</strong> field, enter the full DKIM key (starts with k=rsa; p=...)</li>
          <li>Set <strong>TTL</strong> to <strong>Auto</strong></li>
          <li>Click <strong>Save</strong></li>
        </ol>

        Then add the DMARC record:
        <ol className="space-y-2">
          <li>Click <strong>Add record</strong> again</li>
          <li>Select <strong>TXT</strong> from the Type dropdown</li>
          <li>In the <strong>Name</strong> field, enter: <code>_dmarc</code></li>
          <li>In the <strong>Content</strong> field, enter: <code>v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; adkim=s</code></li>
          <li>Set <strong>TTL</strong> to <strong>Auto</strong></li>
          <li>Click <strong>Save</strong></li>
        </ol>

        
> Pro-tip: You can copy the exact DNS record values from your Bento account by clicking on each record. This helps avoid typos that could prevent verification.

      
      
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**4. Verify Your DNS Records**

  
    
      
        After adding all 6 DNS records, you need to verify them in Bento:
        
        <ol className="space-y-2">
          <li>Return to Bento and navigate to <strong>`SYSTEM -> DNS`</strong></li>
          <li>Wait 5-10 minutes for DNS propagation (can take up to 48 hours in some cases)</li>
          <li>Click the <strong>Check</strong> button next to each DNS record</li>
          <li>Properly configured records will show a green checkmark and blue text</li>
          <li>If any records fail verification, double-check the values and TTL settings</li>
        </ol>

        
> DNS propagation can take anywhere from 5 minutes to 48 hours. If records don't verify immediately, wait a bit longer and try again.


        
> 🚨 **Important**
> DO NOT EDIT EXISTING RECORDS FOR YOUR DOMAIN. You should only be ADDING new records, never editing existing ones.

      
      
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           DNS'} imgWidth={'1200'} />
        </div>
      
    
  

  
**5. Final Record Overview**

  
    Once complete, your Cloudflare DNS records should be as follows:

    All 6 records should be visible in your DNS management interface with:
    - 4 CNAME records with "DNS only" status (gray cloud)
    - 2 TXT records
    - All records showing proper target/content values
    - TTL set to Auto for all records
  


## Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues:

- **Records not verifying**: Double-check that all values match exactly what's shown in your Bento account
- **Proxy status**: Ensure CNAME records are set to "DNS only" (gray cloud), not proxied (orange cloud)
- **DNS propagation**: Wait up to 48 hours for global DNS propagation
- **TTL settings**: Use "Auto" TTL for all records

## Next Steps

Once all DNS records are verified in Bento:
1. Your domain is now authenticated for email sending
2. You can start sending emails with improved deliverability
3. Monitor your email performance in the Bento dashboard

If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the Bento [Discord](https://discord.gg/ssXXFRmt5F)!