Read on to understand what it is and how to do it. Let’s start with the basics.
What is a custom email domain?Things to note before you startHow to set up an iCloud Mail custom email domain
What is a custom email domain?
Along with perks like Private Relay, Hide My Email, and extra storage space, iCloud+ also offers the ability to set up a custom email domain using iCloud Mail. Simply put, the part that comes after the @ in an email address is known as the email domain. The common email domains include gmail.com, outlook.com, etc. But if you are using anything different like your website/business name, that is considered a custom email domain. There are two major benefits of using a custom domain for your email address:
It looks more professional and gives a better first impression. Plus, you are not restricted to a single email host. You can jump from Google to Yahoo and now to iCloud any time you wish.
Things to note before you start
iCloud+ subscription – The feature is only available for iCloud+ users, so you’ll need an active subscription to create and maintain custom domains.A domain – You’ll also need an active domain; like at iGeeksblog, we use igeeksblog.com. You can purchase such domains from web hosting servers like GoDaddy, HostGator, NameCheap, Bluehost. Enable 2FA – Ensure that two-factor authentication is enabled on your Apple ID.iCloud Mail – You must have a primary iCloud Mail email address, aka an active Apple ID.Family sharing – If Family Sharing is set up, up to five other family members can use the service. Plus, family members can set up their custom domain and manage it individually.Domain limits – You can use up to five personal domains with iCloud’s custom email address, with up to three personal addresses per domain.
How to set up an iCloud Mail custom email domain
Amazingly, you can create an iCloud Mail custom email domain on any browser of your choice. This also means that you don’t necessarily need a Mac, an iPhone, or an iPad. Even a Windows device will suffice. iCloud custom email domain is currently a beta feature and prone to errors. And thus, I suggest not using it as a primary or critical email address. Plus, avoid making any changes to your primary domain to avoid any errors. Although I’ll suggest you either use a Mac or a PC, as there are a lot of steps involved and shuffling between multiple tabs is much easier on a laptop than on a smartphone.
Enter the domain details to iCloud on Mac or PC
Note: If you haven’t created a domain/website for yourself yet, please do that before proceeding.
Setting up the custom domain
While everything was almost a breeze until here, the next step is tricky. To establish a sync between iCloud and your domain, you’ll need to update the domain registrar’s setting, i.e., update the MX, TXT, and CNAME records.
Finishing the setup
Once you have updated the DNS records, it might take some time for iCloud to verify and sync. When done, you’ll get a mail on your Apple ID confirming the action; tap Continue to tie the loose ends.
For more clarity, check out Apple’s detailed documentTTL value – 3600 = 1 hoursMX records – Don’t miss the period at the mail server’s end.TXT records – One of the content values has a custom value that’ll vary from user to user.CNAME records – It will not have your domain as the hostname, and the target name will be the domain’s full address.
If you skipped adding an email in the above section, here’s how you can add it: Once the email address is confirmed, you’ll get a notification on other Apple devices using the same Apple ID. Interestingly, you can also use the new email address with iMessage and FaceTime, ensuring your branding is on-point all the time. Signing off Apple happily includes some neat features, and users eagerly welcome them. But what I am trying to see is the big picture here, Apple’s attempt of becoming a wholesome service provider, from TV, music to cloud storage, and all that come under one umbrella. What’s your take on Apple’s progress? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. And while it’s a given, let me reiterate, if you are facing any problem in creating a custom domain with iCloud Mail, feel free to connect with me. Get the most from your iCloud with these amazing references:
15 Best iCloud tips and tricksHow to free up iCloud Storage on iPhone or iPadiCloud backup failed on iPhone or iPad? Here are reasons and solutionsHow to fix iCloud restore stuck issue
