Migration

Add Custom Domain to Microsoft 365

Set up your company domain on Microsoft 365: TXT verification, MX, SPF, DKIM, and user mailboxes. Practical DNS guide for SMEs.

May 2026 · 8 min read · Published by the M365 Deals Editorial Team

Add Custom Domain to Microsoft 365

Introduction

Before staff send mail as [email protected], you must verify your domain in Microsoft 365 and point DNS records at Microsoft. This guide covers the steps SMBs in Thailand and Singapore follow — whether you buy licenses from us or already have a tenant.

What you need before you start

  • A domain name you control (e.g. .co.th, .com.sg, .com)
  • Access to your DNS host (Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Thai hosting panel, etc.)
  • Global admin rights in Microsoft 365 (or your IT partner)
  • At least one Business or Enterprise license assigned to create mailboxes

Step 1 — Add the domain in Microsoft 365

  1. Sign in to Microsoft 365 admin center as admin.
  2. Go to Settings → Domains → Add domain.
  3. Enter your domain (e.g. yourcompany.co.th) and choose I'll manage my own DNS records if you use external DNS (most SMEs do).

Microsoft generates the records you must publish.

Step 2 — Verify ownership (TXT record)

Add the TXT record Microsoft shows — usually at the root (@) or _dnsauth subdomain. Propagation can take 15 minutes to 48 hours depending on your DNS provider.

Click Verify in the admin center once TXT resolves.

Step 3 — Email routing (MX record)

Point inbound mail to Exchange Online. Microsoft provides an MX target like yourdomain-com.mail.protection.outlook.com with priority 0.

Important: Remove old MX records pointing to Gmail, cPanel, or previous host — otherwise mail splits or bounces.

Step 4 — SPF, DKIM, and DMARC (deliverability)

RecordPurpose
SPF (TXT)Authorises Microsoft to send mail for your domain
DKIM (CNAME)Signs outbound messages — reduces spam folder risk
DMARC (TXT)Policy for failed authentication (start with p=none, tighten later)

Enable DKIM in Defender → Email authentication after CNAME records propagate.

Step 5 — Create users and assign licenses

  1. Users → Active users → Add a user
  2. Assign the correct SKU (Basic, Standard, etc.)
  3. User signs in at office.com with the new UPN ([email protected])

Unlicensed users cannot get a full Exchange mailbox.

Common mistakes

  • Leaving old MX — mail never reaches Outlook
  • Typos in TXT — domain never verifies
  • Using Personal/Family licenses for company @domain mail — not supported; you need Business or Enterprise
  • Skipping DKIM — outbound mail to customers lands in spam

When to get help

If you migrate from Google Workspace, cPanel, or on-prem Exchange, DNS cutover should be planned — see our Google to M365 checklist or contact us for a cutover window.

Next steps

Ready to make the switch?

If you've decided Microsoft 365 is the right fit — or you're still weighing options — we'll help you pick the right plan for your team.