You can link a domain purchased elsewhere to Microsoft 365 by updating the DNS records at your registrar. After configuration, Microsoft 365 will manage your email accounts and collaboration tools, while your domain stays registered with your original provider.
Note: Until the domain is verified and added, emails will default to the onmicrosoft.com domain. Adding your domain first avoids having to redo user setups.
Step 1: Verify Domain Ownership
TXT Verification (Recommended):
- Log in to the Microsoft 365 admin portal and navigate to Show all > Settings > Domains.
- Open your DNS host in another tab and go to the DNS management page.
- Add the TXT record from Microsoft 365:
TXT Name: @ - TXT Value: MS=ms########
- TTL: 3600
3. Save and return to the Microsoft 365 portal to click Verify. DNS changes may take 15–30 minutes to propagate.
MX Verification (Alternative):
- If TXT records are unsupported, add the MX record given in Microsoft 365, ensuring it has the highest priority. Remove it after verification.
Step 2: Connect Microsoft 365 Services via DNS
- MX Record for Email Delivery
- Add the MX record provided in the admin center to route emails to Microsoft 365.
- Remove any old MX records afterward.
2. NAME Records for Service Integration
- For Teams, Exchange Online, or Azure AD, add CNAME records exactly as specified in the admin panel.
3. SPF TXT Record for Anti-Spam
- Either create or update your SPF record to include Microsoft 365:
Record Type: TXT - Host: @
- TXT Value: v=spf1 include:spf.protection.outlook.com -all
- TTL: 3600
4. SRV Records for Communications (Teams, Skype)
- Create SRV records using Microsoft 365 details.
- If your provider restricts SRV fields, combine Service and Protocol into the Name field and include Priority, Weight, Port, and Target in the Target field.
