You need to set up a custom domain with ProtonMail if you wish to enhance its professionalism and security. ProtonMail is worldwide famous for its privacy-centric features. These features allow you to use your domain. Also, it will provide end-to-end encryption.
Here are the steps that are essential to know before you get started.
Step 1: Register Your Domain
The first thing that you need to do is registration. Register your domain if you don’t have one. You can also purchase a domain registrar. Some examples of good registrars are GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Google Domains. You should always make sure to choose a domain name that fits well with your personal brand or business.
Step 2: Upgrade To ProtonMail Plus
You need a ProtonMail Plus account or higher if you need to use a custom domain. Here are the steps to upgrade your account to ProtonMail Plus.
- Login
- Navigate → Settings page
- Select → Upgrade
Now choose a plan and make the payment. The Plus plan will give you the privilege of a custom domain and five email addresses.
Step 3: Access The Custom Domain Section
Go to the settings page after the upgrade. Look at the sidebar, you will find a section for “Domains”. Under “Domains” click “Custom Domains”. Now add your domain and start your setup process.
Step 4: Add Your Domain To ProtonMail
Enter your name by clicking on “Add Domain”. You need to configure your domain registrar. For this ProtonMail will provide you with the DNS (Domain Name System) records. These records include MX, TXT, and CNAME record files.
Step 5: Configure DNS
After logging into your domain registrar account, visit the DNS management section. There, add the records provided by ProtonMail. This is what you need to add:
- MX Records: Here you need to enter two MX records. These records directly mail traffic to ProtonMain servers.
- TXT Record: TheTXT record verifies your domain ownership. It helps with email security protocols like SPF and DKIM.
- CNAME Record: This one is recommended for better deliverability. (OPTIONAL)
After completing all the records, click on → save changes.
DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours from as little as a few minutes.
Step 6: Verify Domain Ownership
Now you can return to ProtonMail’s “Custom Domains” section. For the next step click on “Verify”. Here ProtonMail will check the DNS records to confirm that they are correct.
Step 7: Create a Custom Email Address
You can create custom email addresses once your domain gets verified.
Setting → Custom Domains → Add addresses
You can enter your desired username but please make sure it’s not already taken. After entering the desired username, create an email address (eg: name@yourdomain.com). Repeat the above process for adding more addresses.
Step 8: Test Your Setup
Now it’s time to send emails. To test your setup all you need to do is send emails to and from your new custom domain email address. This will ensure that your setup is working fine. This last step helps you in confirming that your DNS records and email forwarding are correctly configured.
Conclusion
Setting up a custom domain with ProtonMail is an easy procedure. It will help in improving your email’s professionalism and security. By learning the above steps, you can make a smooth transition to using your domain with ProtonMail. You can also take advantage of its comprehensive privacy features and secure email communication.
