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

# SPF, DKIM, DMARC and BIMI Explained

> Understand SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and BIMI in plain English. Learn how to set up email authentication records to improve deliverability and show your brand logo in inboxes.

### Email Security Made Easy: SPF, DKIM, DMARC & BIMI

When you send email from your domain, you want it to be trusted and not go to spam. Four tools help make that happen: **SPF**, **DKIM**, **DMARC**, and **BIMI**.

Let’s explain each one in plain English, and how to set them up.

**1. SPF – Who's Allowed to Send Emails for You**

**What It Does:** SPF is like a guest list. It tells the internet which servers are allowed to send emails from your domain.

**How to Set It Up:** Add a **TXT record** to your domain's DNS that looks like this:

```text theme={null}
v=spf1 include:_spf.mysmtp.com ~all
```

This tells the world that **mySMTP.com** is allowed to send emails for you.

**How to Check It Works:** Go to [test.smtp.ai](https://test.smtp.ai/), send a test email, and look for **"SPF Pass"**.

**2. DKIM – Proves the Email Is Really From You**

**What It Does:** DKIM puts a digital "signature" on your emails, so others know they haven't been changed.

**How to Set It Up:**

* mySMTP gives you a **DKIM record**.
* You add this TXT record to your domain's DNS.

Example:

```text theme={null}
Type: TXT
Name: mysmtp._domainkey
Value: *The 2048 generated key*
```

**How to Check It Works:** Use [test.smtp.ai](https://test.smtp.ai/) again and check for **"DKIM Pass."**

**3. DMARC – Tells Email Servers What to Do if SPF/DKIM Fail**

**What It Does:** DMARC is like a security rule. It tells email services what to do if someone tries to send fake email from your domain.

**How to Set It Up:** Add a **TXT record** to your DNS like this:

```text theme={null}
v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc@yourdomain.com
```

* p=none means "just watch, don't block yet."
* rua= is where reports are sent.

**How to Check It Works:** Run a test at [test.smtp.ai](https://test.smtp.ai/) and look for **"DMARC Pass."**

**4. BIMI – Show Your Logo in Inboxes**

**What It Does:** BIMI shows your brand logo next to your emails in some email apps (like Gmail).

**How to Set It Up:**

* You must already have **DMARC** working.
* Upload your logo (in SVG format).
* Add a TXT record like this:

```text theme={null}
v=BIMI1; l=https://yourdomain.com/logo.svg;
```

(You may need a special certificate called a VMC.)

**How to Check It Works:** Use [test.smtp.ai](https://test.smtp.ai/), but note: BIMI isn't supported everywhere yet.

**Final Tips**

* Double-check your DNS settings.
* Test with [test.smtp.ai](https://test.smtp.ai/).
* Watch for reports if anything goes wrong.
* All this helps your emails land in inboxes — and look more professional!


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