How do I set up and use custom email domains with iCloud, and what are common issues with it?
Summary
What email marketers say15Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Reddit user shares they had issues setting up very short domains (2-3 characters) due to validation problems. They recommended contacting Apple Support if you encounter this.
Marketer from Email Geeks answers that you use your iCloud credentials to login and you can add users via Family Sharing.
Email marketer from StackExchange explains for optimal deliverability, ensure you also set up SPF and DKIM records for your domain, in addition to the MX records. Apple provides information on how to configure these.
Email marketer from Macworld explains some users have reported issues with domain verification and email delivery during the initial setup phase.
Email marketers from Email Geeks highlight some issues with the beta. Dennis Dayman explains it seems you can’t use first-last@ as it doesn't accept the -. Faisal Misle suggests reporting via Apple feedback. Dennis also ran into a security issue where his login was changed without permission to iCloud.
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that you point the domain to Apple's MX record when setting up custom email domains with iCloud.
Email marketer from podfeet.com answers if you are using your own domain already for email with another provider, you’ll have to decide whether you want to migrate your email to iCloud. If you want to keep the old mail, you'll need to migrate to iCloud.
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that you get to decide which is the default email to send from, either iCloud or the domain/email you added.
Email marketer from Reddit user raised a question about whether using a custom domain with iCloud gives Apple access to metadata about emails sent and received. No clear answer provided.
Email marketer from Reddit user explains it's not just forwarding. It's a full IMAP service, so email resides in your iCloud account.
Email marketer from Apple Support Communities reports issues with consistent email delivery for a small number of senders, even after correct configuration of MX, SPF and DKIM records. Suggests contacting Apple Support directly to troubleshoot.
Email marketer from Reddit explains subdomains are not officially supported by iCloud custom domain. You need to use the root domain.
Email marketer from How-To Geek shares the process involves signing into iCloud+ settings, selecting 'Custom Email Domain', and following the prompts to either buy a domain or transfer an existing one. It highlights Apple guides you through updating MX records.
Email marketer from Quora notes issues with using catch-all email addresses (e.g. * @yourdomain.com) with iCloud Custom Domain. Some users have reported inconsistent behavior.
Email marketer from Reddit user warns to be careful when changing your Apple ID primary email to your new custom domain email. Some users have experienced issues with account access if the transition isn't smooth.
What the experts say1Expert opinions
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that you need to ensure your domain registrar supports the necessary DNS record types (MX, TXT, CNAME) required by iCloud for proper setup.
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from Apple Support explains you need an iCloud+ subscription to use a custom email domain. You can buy a new domain or use one you already own. Setup involves going to iCloud Mail settings on iCloud.com.
Documentation from Apple Support shares you can set up to five custom email domains with iCloud+ and create up to three email addresses per domain.
Documentation from Apple Support details that iCloud+ allows you to customize your iCloud Mail address with a custom domain and invite family members to use the same domain with their own iCloud Mail addresses.
Documentation from Namecheap Support shares if you're using a domain from a third-party registrar, you'll need to update your domain's MX records to point to Apple's servers. They provide specific MX records to add.