Why does Instant AI need to connect to my DNS provider?

Instant AI connects to your DNS provider to verify your domain and send emails on your behalf. This connection ensures your emails are authenticated (through SPF, DKIM, and DMARC), which helps them reach your customers’ inboxes instead of being flagged as spam.

What this means for your existing setup

If you already use another email sending platform, or have existing DNS records connected elsewhere, nothing changes to your current DNS configuration.

Each platform uses its own unique records, and you can only have one active CNAME per subdomain (for example, send.yourbrand.com or mail.yourbrand.com). This means that if you are using an existing subdomain such as send.yourbrand.com then Instant AI won't be able to send from the same subdomain. Instead, we will automatically check the available domains and subdomains and recommend the best option available. 

For example, if send.yourbrand.com is already in use, we will find the next closest alternative such as .mail or .shop and continue to find an alternative until one is available. 

The records we provide are always new and non-conflicting since they must be unique. If you see any errors suggesting that there may be a conflict of records please contact our team. You should be able to you simply add the records we provide alongside your existing records and offer no replacements. 

Why you need to connect your custom domain

Adding Instant AI’s DNS records gives you:

• Authenticated sending (SPF/DKIM/DMARC)
• Improved deliverability and trust with inbox providers
• Accurate tracking of opens, clicks, and unsubscribes tied to your verified domain

Once verified, your emails will show as being sent “from your brand,” not from a third-party sender  which helps your deliverability and brand reputation long-term. Some platforms may default you to a domain from the sender (e.g. from Instant) however we know that the best results come from sending direct from your domain so we default to this option immediately to give you the best results possible. 

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FAQ's

Do I need to change my existing DNS records (like Klaviyo or Google Workspace)?

No. Instant AI only asks you to add new records for your selected subdomain. Your existing DNS setup (including Klaviyo, Google, or Shopify records) remains untouched. You should not be editing existing records and instead only adding new ones.

How does Instant AI test that everything is working?

Instant AI automatically checks that your DNS records are verified and secure before any email is sent. You’ll see a “Verifying” status until your provider confirms the connection — then we’ll activate sending. If anything fails, we’ll show a clear error message so you can fix it before going live.

Can I go live before my DNS records verify?

No. To protect your sender reputation, Instant AI blocks sending until all required records are verified. Once verified, emails will start sending automatically. Only once the new records are connected can you go live and start sending emails. 

 

Why doesn’t Instant AI let me send without DNS, like some ESPs do?

Some platforms allow sending from a shared domain (for example, Klaviyo’s klaviyomail.com), which doesn’t require DNS setup. Instant AI doesn’t offer this because shared domains do not build reputation for your brand and don’t meet modern authentication requirements. Using your own authenticated subdomain provides better deliverability, protects your domain, and ensures full alignment with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC — all of which inbox providers now expect.