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The limitations of using a free domain

If your account does not have an active custom sending domain, Mailcamp can use a default sender address based on your From name and @mailcamp.io. This lets you keep setting up lists and campaigns, but it has limitations compared with sending from your own authenticated domain.

For the best deliverability and brand recognition, use a domain that you own and authenticate it in Sending domains.

What a free domain means in Mailcamp

  • A free/default domain is used when you do not have an active verified sending domain.

  • Mailcamp may generate a sender address using your From name and @mailcamp.io.

  • This fallback can help you start sending, but it is not the same as using your own business domain.

  • Some plans may require an upgrade before you can add and verify custom sending domains.

Limitations of using a free/default domain

  • Lower brand recognition: recipients may not immediately recognize the sender address if it does not use your own domain.

  • Less control over authentication: you cannot manage DNS records such as DKIM, SPF, and DMARC for a domain you do not own.

  • Limited sender identity: your campaigns may not fully match your website, company, or organization domain.

  • Deliverability can be less predictable: authenticated custom domains usually give receiving servers clearer signals about who is sending the email.

  • Campaign setup may be restricted: Mailcamp may prevent sender addresses from unverified domains or fall back to a default sender address.

When to use your own domain

  • Use your own domain when you send marketing campaigns for a business, product, community, or organization.

  • Use your own domain when you want the From address to match your website domain.

  • Use your own domain when you want better control over sender reputation and authentication records.

  • Use your own domain before sending regular campaigns to a larger audience.

How to move to a custom sending domain

  • In Mailcamp, go to Sending domains.

  • Add the domain you want to use for sending.

  • Copy the DNS records generated by Mailcamp.

  • Add the records in your DNS provider.

  • Return to Mailcamp and click Verify Now.

  • After the domain is verified, use an email address from that domain as your sender address.

If custom sending domains are not available

  • Check your current plan to see whether custom sending domains are included.

  • If Mailcamp shows an upgrade message, upgrade your plan to unlock custom sending domains.

  • Until then, Mailcamp may use the default @mailcamp.io sender address based on your From name.

  • Avoid using sender addresses from domains you do not control or cannot authenticate.

Best practices

  • Use a domain that matches your website or brand.

  • Authenticate the domain before sending important campaigns.

  • Keep your From name consistent so subscribers recognize your emails.

  • Make sure replies go to an inbox that your team monitors.

  • Do not switch sender domains too often, because consistent sending identity helps build trust.

Troubleshooting

  • You cannot add a custom domain: check whether your plan includes custom sending domains.

  • Your sender address keeps changing to @mailcamp.io: confirm that your custom domain is active and verified.

  • Your domain is still pending: review the DNS records and click Verify Now again after DNS propagation.

  • Your sender email is rejected: make sure the email address uses the same domain that was verified in Sending domains.