✅ Coldbean Setup Guide: SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for Google Domains + Google Workspace

Step 1: Connect Google Domain to Google Workspace

A. Access Admin Console

1. Visit admin.google.com.

2. Log in with your Google Workspace Super Admin credentials.

3. Go to Domains → Manage Domains.

B. Add and Verify Your Domain

1. Click "Add a domain".

2. Select “Secondary domain” and input your Google domain.

3. Sign in to your Google Domains account (if prompted) and allow access.

4. Follow the prompts to verify ownership.

Step 2: MX, SPF, and DKIM Records (Usually Auto-Configured)

If your domain is hosted with Google Domains and added through your Workspace admin, Google will automatically configure:

• MX Records (for receiving mail)

• SPF Record
  v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all

• DKIM Record (once you manually enable it — see next step)

Still, it’s good practice to verify these entries in Google Domains DNS settings.

Step 3: Enable DKIM in Google Workspace

1. Return to your Admin Console.

2. Navigate to:
   Apps → Google Workspace → Gmail → Authenticate Email

3. Select the correct domain and click Generate New Record.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to copy the DKIM TXT record to your domain DNS settings (this might already be pre-populated if using Google Domains).

5. After saving, return and click Start Authentication.

Note: It may take a few minutes to reflect.

Step 4: Add a DMARC Record

Google does not auto-add this, so you must do it manually.

Add in Google Domains DNS:

1. Go to your domain at Google Domains.

2. Under DNS, click Manage Custom Records.

3. Add a new TXT record with:

   • Host name: _dmarc

   • Type: TXT

   • Value:

     v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc@yourdomain.com;
     

   (Change p=none to quarantine or reject once everything is working properly.)

4. Save the record.

Step 5: Add a Custom Tracking Domain (Optional but Recommended)

To personalize open-tracking links and boost deliverability, set up a custom tracking domain in Coldbean.

Steps:

1. In your Google Domain DNS, add a CNAME record:

   • Host name: track (or another subdomain like open or click)

   • Type: CNAME

   • Value: prox.coldbean.ai

2. In your Coldbean dashboard, go to Settings → Custom Domains and enter your new tracking subdomain.

3. Click Verify.

View the full setup guide for tracking domains with Google Domains → (Coldbean article coming soon.)

Step 6: Test Your DNS Setup

You can use these tools to verify everything is set up correctly:

• MXToolbox SPF Check

• Google Admin Toolbox

• EasyDMARC Domain Scanner

Why This Matters in Coldbean

Proper DNS configuration ensures:

Higher inbox placement
Protection against spoofing
Improved sender reputation
Fewer bounce rates
Accurate link tracking with custom domains

Need Help?

If you're stuck or unsure about DNS configurations, we’re just a message away:

Email: team@coldbean.ai
Chat: Use the support bubble inside the Coldbean dashboard

Related Articles

• Setting Up Email Forwarding with Google Domains →

• [Coldbean DNS Master Guide (Coming Soon)]

• [Custom Tracking Domains in Coldbean (Coming Soon)]