What is iCloud Mail?
Quick answer: iCloud+ supports custom email domains for eligible Apple accounts, but you must verify domain ownership and publish the DNS records Apple specifies. The feature is separate from a traditional cPanel mailbox, and switching MX records changes where incoming messages arrive.
Before changing mail routing, follow our DNS checklist and back up important messages.
iCloud Mail is Apple’s mail service, use it to create an email address to use across all Apple devices. Emails set up in iCloud should have either an @icloud.com, @me.com, or @mac.com email address.
Since the introduction of iCloud+, you have been able to set up your custom domain email in iCloud. The primary benefit of this is that it utilises iCloud’s advanced inbound & outbound spam filtration. Other benefits include:
- Seamless integration with other Apple products, without the need for additional setup.
- Off-site independent backup.
- Disconnecting from your hosting package, putting less load on your hosting package.
Set up iCloud Mail
Before attempting to set up iCloud Mail, you’ll need to create an Apple ID.
Setting up iCloud Mail on your device is the first step to getting your custom domain name on. This process is easy and is supported across multiple devices, including Windows.
iOS or iPadOS.
1. To start, open or unlock your device.
2. Afterwards. Open the settings application by clicking the grey/silver cogwheel icon.
3. Next, click your “name/Apple ID”.
4. Finally, click “iCloud” and when prompted click “create”
macOS
The setup process on macOS follows a similar procedure as above. Open the systems preferences area by clicking the same cogwheel icon as above. Then select your Apple ID, iCloud, and then the Mail application.
Windows 10
1. First off, download iCloud via the Microsoft app store.
2. Afterwards, once it has been downloaded or when prompted. Restart your device.
3. Once your device has restarted fully, open the iCloud Application.
4. Sign in to your iCloud account using your Apple ID.
5. Finally, ensure that the mailcheckbox is ticked and hit apply.
Adding your custom domain to iCloud Mail
To enable custom domains, you need an active iCloud+ Subscription.
1. Firstly, log in to your iCloud account. This may require an additional device for authorization.
2. Next, from the main splash page, click Account Settings.
3. Afterwards, scroll down and click Manage under “custom email domain”. It is possible to configure your email domain name for personal or shared use as shown.
4. Now, enter the domain name you wish to use with iCloud+.
5. If you have any, you can add any existing email addresses for your domain now. Otherwise, continue on.
6. Afterwards, you will be prompted to configure your custom domain name via your registrar. You can do this easily on our cPanel hosting.
7. To complete set-up, configure your DNS records in the cPanel zone editor. These will need to match the supplied iCloud Mail DNS records.
Update your DNS Zone & Complete Set up
The following records are formatted for use in cPanel but not ready. Refer to the records provided by Apple and match them up with the following records.
MX
- Type: MX
- Host: yourdomain.tld.
- Value: mx01.mail.icloud.com.
- Priority: 10
MX
- Type: MX
- Host: yourdomain.tld.
- Value: mx02.mail.icloud.com.
- Priority: 10
TXT
- Type: TXT
- Host: yourdomain.tld.
- Value: [Unique and provided during iCloud set up]
SPF
- Type: TXT
- Host: yourdomain.tld.
- Value: v=spf1 include:icloud.com ~all
DKIM
- Type: CNAME
- Host: sig1._domainkey.yourdomain.tld.
- Value: sig1.dkim.yourdomain.tld.at.icloudmailadmin.com.
After entering these records, allow some time for your DNS changes to propagate, then follow on from step 4 in iCloud by clicking Finish setup.
For provider trade-offs, see business email versus free email.
Check your mail routing before moving to iCloud
Before enabling a custom domain in iCloud Mail, make a copy of the domain’s existing MX and TXT records. Follow the current DNS values shown by Apple during setup rather than copying records from an older tutorial. Replacing MX records changes where new incoming messages are delivered; it does not automatically move old mail from a previous provider.
After verification, send and receive a test message from an unrelated mailbox. If your website uses the same domain, leave its web records in place unless Apple specifically asks for a change. See our DNS change checklist.
Avoid accidental email disruption during custom-domain setup
Adding a domain to iCloud Mail can change the destination of new incoming email. Before publishing Apple’s requested MX records, identify any existing mailboxes and save their important messages. Use the current verification instructions displayed in your Apple account rather than relying on screenshots that may be outdated.
Keep unrelated website DNS records intact and test sending and receiving after DNS changes. For background, consult our DNS propagation guide.