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

# Connect Email

> Go live with AI email — verify your domain, register your support address, configure forwarding at your mail host, and pass the connection test.

You do not need a self-hosted mail server; set this up in your [OpenCX dashboard](https://platform.open.cx).

## Prerequisites

<Warning>
  Each registered address is **globally unique**. If this address is already in use, you cannot add it.
</Warning>

* <Tooltip tip="A domain you've confirmed ownership of by adding DNS records, allowing OpenCX to send replies from your address.">**Verified domain**</Tooltip> in your [OpenCX dashboard](https://platform.open.cx/settings/domains). Add or check domains under **Settings → Domains** or the [domain API](/api-reference/email/get_domains).

## What You Will Configure

1. **Public support address** — the inbox customers use; register it exactly in the dashboard.
2. **Forward at your host** — copy (or all) mail to <Tooltip tip="OpenCX's shared ingestion address — all mail forwarded here is automatically picked up and matched to your org.">**`forwarding@opencopilot.so`**</Tooltip>.

<Tip>
  Forward **all** mail for that address when possible; filters that drop automated mail can break the <Tooltip tip="An automated check that confirms mail forwarded to OpenCX is arriving correctly. Retries may take up to 5 minutes.">connection test</Tooltip>.
</Tip>

## Go Live

<Steps>
  <Step title="Verify Your Domain">
    Confirm ownership of your domain under **[Settings → Domains](https://platform.open.cx/settings/domains)**. This allows you to send emails from addresses on that domain.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Register Your Support Address">
    Go to **[Channels → AI Email](https://platform.open.cx/channels/configure/mail)** and add the address your customers write to (e.g. `support@yourcompany.com`).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Up Forwarding In Your Email Provider">
    Tell your email provider to forward a copy of incoming mail to **`forwarding@opencopilot.so`**.

    <Tabs>
      <Tab title="Gmail">
        **[Settings → See all settings](https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#settings/general) → [Forwarding and POP/IMAP](https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#settings/fwdandpop) → Add a forwarding address** → enter `forwarding@opencopilot.so` → confirm the verification email → choose **Forward a copy**.
      </Tab>

      <Tab title="Outlook / Microsoft 365">
        **[Settings → Mail → Forwarding](https://outlook.live.com/mail/0/options/mail/forwarding)** → enter `forwarding@opencopilot.so` and save. For Microsoft 365 admin-managed forwarding, see the [Exchange admin center](https://admin.exchange.microsoft.com/#/mailflow/rules).
      </Tab>

      <Tab title="Other Providers">
        Look for a **Forwarding** or **Mail rules** setting → add `forwarding@opencopilot.so` as the destination → save.
      </Tab>
    </Tabs>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run The Connection Test">
    Status becomes **Connected** once a test email to your address comes back through your forwarding rule. If it does not, check the rule at your provider and run the test again.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Web forms and help center tickets that forward to your support address are handled the same way — no separate configuration needed.
</Tip>

## Expected Results

| Item                 | Detail                                                                                                                    |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Forwarding inbox** | Mail must reach the shared address; allow up to about **one minute** before it shows in the dashboard (**best effort**).  |
| **Connection test**  | May take up to **5 minutes**. Retry if it shows failed. If it fails again, see [Troubleshooting](/email/troubleshooting). |

<Note>
  After mail reaches `forwarding@opencopilot.so`, allow a short delay before it shows in the dashboard.
</Note>

## Related Documentation

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Troubleshooting" icon="wrench" href="/email/troubleshooting">
    Connection failures, missing replies, and common fixes.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Email Flow" icon="diagram-project" href="/email/forwarding-rules">
    Session matching, threading, and outbound format.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Autopilot And Topics" icon="sliders" href="/handoff/topics">
    Channel-level Autopilot and topic rules.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Email API" icon="code" href="/api-reference/email/email_api">
    Domains, verification, and transactional sends.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>