How to Set Up & Start Using MSG91 Email Service

We’re excited to support you and your clients with the MSG91 Email Service.

This step-by-step document will help you set up, configure, and start sending emails smoothly.

• Go to: https://control.msg91.com

• Log in to your MSG91 account

• Navigate to Email → Domains

• Click “Add Domain”

• Enter a subdomain (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com)

You don’t need to create subdomain in your domain provider. Just enter it MSG91 Directly.

Why Use a Subdomain?

Even if your emails are sent from your main domain (e.g., info@yourdomain.com), adding a subdomain (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com) makes it easier to set up proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC). It also improves deliverability and protects your main domain’s reputation.

After adding the subdomain, click “Verify Domain” - this will redirect you to the Domain Settings page.

You’ll now see a list of DNS records that need to be added in your domain’s DNS panel.

• SPF Record:
  Verifies that MSG91 is authorized to send emails from your domain. Helps reduce spam marking.

• DKIM Record:
  Digitally signs your emails, improving authenticity and deliverability.

• Handles bounced email responses and improves overall delivery tracking.

• Sets up return path for bounce management and feedback loop handling.

• Add all provided DNS records in your domain registrar’s DNS settings (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.)

• Wait 5–10 minutes for changes to reflect (may take up to 20 minutes)

• Return to MSG91 panel and click “Verify”

• Double-check that all records were added exactly as shown

• Ensure there are no typos, extra spaces, or missing values

Once verified, you’re all set to start sending emails via MSG91!

After your domain is verified:

1. Scroll up and go to Domain Configuration under Domain Settings

2. Enable the following:

   • Open Tracking – To monitor who opens your emails

   • Click Tracking – To see which links users interact with

   • Unsubscribe Link – To manage user preferences and comply with email standards
     

These settings help you analyze engagement and improve deliverability.

Next to Domain Configuration:

You'll also find options to integrate with:

• API Integration – For sending emails programmatically

• SMTP Integration – For sending via applications like WordPress, CRMs etc.
  

Make sure to explore these based on your use case!

To improve email security and deliverability, we highly recommend setting up a DMARC record.

Why DMARC?

DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) protects your domain from email spoofing and enhances inbox placement by ensuring alignment with SPF and DKIM.

• Log in to the MSG91 panel.

• Go to Email → DMARC from the left menu.
  

• Under the Domain section within DMARC, click Add Domain.

• Enter the same subdomain you previously configured.

• Click Next to initiate the verification process.
  

• After clicking Verify, MSG91 will generate a DMARC CNAME record.

• Copy the provided details and add them to your domain's DNS settings.
  

DNS Record Details:

• Type: CNAME

• Host & Value: As shown in the MSG91 panel

Wait 5–10 minutes, then click Verify again in the panel.

• After verification, go to Manage Domains under DMARC

• Set the Policy to Quarantine

  
  

This means: If someone sends emails using your domain without valid SPF/DKIM, their emails will go to spam automatically

This step is optional but highly recommended for domain reputation and protection.

Before you can send any emails, it's mandatory to create a template in MSG91.
Depending on your preference, you can choose from three available methods:

1. AI Template Generator (Fast & Automatic)
   Let MSG91 AI generate email content instantly based on your input.
   View Step-by-Step Guide
   

2. Drag & Drop Builder (No Coding Required)
   Easily design your email by dragging elements like text, images, buttons, etc.
   View Step-by-Step Guide
   

3. HTML & Text Editor (For Developers)
   Paste your custom HTML or format emails manually. Supports image uploads and formatting.
   View Step-by-Step Guide

You can personalize emails using tags like {{name}}, {{email}}, etc.
It also supports conditions like {{#if}}, {{else}}, {{/unless}} to show different content based on user data.
How to use Handlebars

MSG91’s IntelliSend AI automatically generates dynamic versions of your email and sends personalized content to each user — resulting in better engagement and higher open rates.
Know more about IntelliSend AI

Gmail Markup
Enhance how your emails appear in Gmail with Gmail Markup — allowing you to display interactive actions like RSVP, review, or track packages directly in the inbox for better visibility and faster user engagement.
Know more about Gmail Markup

Once the template is ready and submitted, it typically gets approved within 10 to 30 minutes.
If not approved, please reach out to support@msg91.com.

Once your domain and template are approved, you're all set to start sending emails.

MSG91 allows you to send emails directly from the panel without any coding.

1. Navigate to the Email Section
   Go to Email → Send Email in your MSG91 dashboard.
   
   

2. Choose Your Sending Method

   • Manually Add Email IDs – Use this option to test or send a one-time email.

   • Select Segmento – Choose a pre-saved audience segment.

   • Upload CSV – For sending emails to bulk lists.
     
     

   If Selecting “Manually Add Email IDs”

   • Enter the recipient email(s) or your team’s email ID for testing.

   • Select the Email Template you want to use.

   • After Selecting, you can see the exact number of variables (e.g., 2) when you click Preview.

   • Next Map Template Variables

   • In the Variable Mapping section, provide the variable values in double quotes.
     Example: "MSG91", "1234"

   • Next Set Sender Details

   • Choose the Domain, From Name, and From Email ID from dropdown.

   • Click Review & Send to launch your email campaign.

If Selecting “Segmento”

1. Pick a Phonebook and saved Segment (your pre-defined audience group).

2. Choose the Email Template you want to send.

3. Map the variable value based on the template:

   • $ → to select a column from your Segment data (like Name, City, Mobile, etc.)

   • # → to add a custom value (fixed for all)

Your Segment has fields: Name, City

Template:
Hi {{Name}}, welcome to MSG91 from {{City}}!

Mapping:

• {{Name}} → $Name

• {{City}} → $City

Result:
Hi Karan, welcome to MSG91 from Indore!

Your Segment has fields: Name, Email

Template:
Hi {{Name}}, your OTP is {{OTP}}.

Mapping:

• {{Name}} → $Name (from Segment field)

• {{OTP}} → #1234 (fixed value)

Result:
Hi Bhaskar, your OTP is 1234.
Hi Bison, your OTP is 1234.

Example 3 – Full custom values with #

Even if your Segment does not have matching fields, you can still send fixed values.

Template:
Hello {{User}}, your subscription is valid till {{Date}}.

Mapping:

• {{User}} → #Customer

• {{Date}} → #30-Sep-2025

Result:
Hello Customer, your subscription is valid till 30-Sep-2025.

Tip: $ pulls data from your Segment fields, while # lets you enter a fixed/custom value.

• Upload your CSV file containing recipient details (e.g., Name, Email, City).

• Choose the Email Template you want to send.

• Map the variable value based on the template:

  • $ → to select a column from your CSV.

  • # → to add a custom value (fixed for all).

CSV columns: Name, ExpiryDate

Template:
Hello {{Name}}, your subscription will expire on {{ExpiryDate}}. Please renew to continue services.

Mapping:

• {{Name}} → $Name

• {{ExpiryDate}} → $ExpiryDate

Result:
Hello Shruti, your subscription will expire on 10-Sep-2025. Please renew to continue services.

Ideal for Targeted campaigns, announcements, and test runs — no developer required!

Validating your email list reduces bounces and improves inboxing.

• Upload and validate your contact list before sending.

• Helps protect your sender reputation and avoids blacklisting.

Know more about Email Validation

When starting with a new domain, it’s crucial to warm up your email traffic gradually.

• Start with small volumes and scale over 2–3 weeks.

• This builds a positive sender reputation with email providers.

Know more about Warmup Strategy

MSG91 provides detailed insights to help optimize performance:

• Email Logs: Check real-time delivery status (sent, delivered, bounced, etc.)

• Analytics: View open rates, click rates, bounce rates, etc.

• Suppression List: See users who unsubscribed, marked as spam, or hard bounced.

View Logs & Analytics Help

Your MSG91 Email Service is now ready. Start sending smart, secure, and high-converting emails today.
Need help? Reach out to support@msg91.com anytime — we’re here for you.