hello@example.com to an inbox you already use. It does not by itself create a mailbox with storage, IMAP, or an SMTP password. You still need to own the domain; free forwarding does not make domain registration free.
Before changing DNS
Inspect the existing MX records and identify who receives mail today. Export the current configuration and keep access to the old mailbox during testing. If mail already works, plan a migration instead of replacing records casually. Mixing unrelated MX configurations does not reliably route individual addresses to different providers.Configure incoming mail
1
Verify the destination
Open your domain’s email routing setup in Cloudflare. Add an inbox you control and complete its verification message.
2
Review the DNS records
Apply the exact records Cloudflare gives your domain, checking for conflicts with existing mail. Preserve unrelated records.
3
Create an explicit address
Route a named alias to the verified destination. Start with specific addresses rather than a catch-all, which can attract unwanted mail.
4
Test independently
Send from a different account, then check both the inbox and spam folder. Test replies separately and inspect the visible sender.