> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.weav.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Set up a custom email

> Connect your own email address (like help@yourcompany.com) so your team can send and receive branded emails in Weav.

## Overview

A custom email lets your workspace use branded addresses like `help@yourcompany.com` instead of only the default Weav address.

Every workspace already has an internal fallback email: [workspace@weav-mail.com](mailto:workspace@weav-mail.com)

You can configure a custom address for:

* **Inbound** (receive customer emails in Weav)
* **Outbound** (send emails from your domain)
* **Both** (two-way email)

<Info>
  Inbound and outbound are verified separately:

  * Inbound requires a successful forwarding test
  * Outbound requires domain authentication (DKIM + Return-Path)
</Info>

## Before you begin

Make sure you have:

* Access to **Settings → Inbox Settings** in Weav
* Access to your mailbox provider settings (Gmail, Outlook, etc.)
* Access to your DNS provider (Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.)

***

## Step 1: Add a custom email address

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/weav-a01be0f7/reJWL8GwUmMMtmdB/images/custom-email.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=reJWL8GwUmMMtmdB&q=85&s=b2952e4ab6a8a02f1bad5fa9f621bad7" alt="Custom Email" width="882" height="788" data-path="images/custom-email.png" />
</Frame>

1. Go to **Settings → Inbox Settings**
2. Click **Add Email Address**
3. Enter your address (example: `help@yourcompany.com`)
4. Choose usage:
   * Inbound
   * Outbound
   * Both
5. Save

<Tip>
  When you add a non-`weav-mail.com` address, Weav automatically links it to the domain for your workspace.
</Tip>

***

## Step 2: Configure inbound email (receiving)

Inbound works by forwarding your custom mailbox to your workspace’s internal Weav address.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/weav-a01be0f7/reJWL8GwUmMMtmdB/images/forward.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=reJWL8GwUmMMtmdB&q=85&s=1dcc389964fb63db44dcc8ab94f0a55f" alt="Forward" width="892" height="948" data-path="images/forward.png" />
</Frame>

### 2.1 Copy your internal Weav address

In Inbox Settings, copy: [workspace@weav-mail.com](mailto:workspace@weav-mail.com)

### 2.2 Create forwarding in your mailbox provider

Create a forwarding rule so emails sent to your custom support address are forwarded to the internal Weav address ([workspace@weav-mail.com](mailto:workspace@weav-mail.com)).

### 2.3 Run **Test Forwarding** in Weav

1. In Weav, click **Test Forwarding** for that email address
2. Weav sends a test message from `Weav <hello@weav.com>`
3. If forwarding is configured correctly, the address will automatically be marked verified for inbound use when we detect the forwarded email

<Warning>
  If inbound is enabled before verification, Weav will block it until forwarding is verified.
</Warning>

***

## Step 3: Configure outbound email (sending)

Outbound requires domain authentication to improve deliverability and trust.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/weav-a01be0f7/reJWL8GwUmMMtmdB/images/dns.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=reJWL8GwUmMMtmdB&q=85&s=b322f9a8401ec295aedb3239428f5864" alt="Dns" width="1126" height="1122" data-path="images/dns.png" />
</Frame>

### 3.1 Open domain setup in Weav

Weav provides the DNS records required for your domain (typically DKIM and Return-Path CNAMEs).

### 3.2 Add records in your DNS provider

Add the exact records shown in Weav.

### 3.3 Verify domain in Weav

After DNS propagation, verify/refresh domain status in Weav.

* If checks pass, status becomes **Verified**
* If DNS is still propagating, status remains **Pending** until checks complete

<Warning>
  Outbound cannot be enabled until domain verification is complete. This can take up to 24-48 hours.
</Warning>

***

## Status reference

| Status     | Meaning                                    | What to do                             |
| :--------- | :----------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------- |
| Verified   | Setup is complete for that step            | No action needed                       |
| Pending    | Waiting for DNS or forwarding confirmation | Wait a few minutes, then refresh/retry |
| Not tested | Forwarding test has not been run           | Run Test Forwarding                    |
| Failed     | Verification did not pass                  | Review setup and retry                 |

***

## Common errors and fixes

### “Cannot enable inbound email until email is verified”

Run **Test Forwarding** and confirm your custom mailbox forwards to `{workspace}@weav-mail.com`.

### “Cannot enable outbound email until domain is verified”

Check DNS records, wait for propagation, then refresh verification in Weav.

### “Cannot set as default outbound unless outbound is enabled”

Enable outbound first (requires verified domain), then set default outbound.

### “This domain is already being used by another organization”

That domain is already connected to another workspace. Use a different domain or disconnect it there first.

***

## Best practices

* Use team aliases like `support@`, `help@`, or `billing@`
* Keep forwarding enabled for reliable inbound delivery. Don't disable it after setup is complete or it will stop working
* Do not remove DNS authentication records after setup
* Keep one default outbound sender for consistency

***

## FAQ

### Can I add multiple custom email addresses?

Yes. A workspace can have multiple custom addresses.

### Do I need to own the domain?

Yes. You need DNS control for outbound setup.

### Can I remove a domain later?

Yes, but only after no email addresses are using that domain.