Get a Custom Domain Email for Free Using Gmail & Cloudflare

Say goodbye to paying for custom domain emails. Here’s a step-by-step guide to set one up completely free using Gmail and Cloudflare.

Why This Guide?

Ever wished you could use a professional-looking email like [email protected] without paying monthly fees for services like Google Workspace or Zoho Mail? This guide is your quick, secure, and cost-free way to achieve exactly that using Cloudflare’s Email Routing and Gmail’s SMTP capabilities.

Let’s walk through it.

🧰 Prerequisites

• A custom domain managed by Cloudflare (with nameservers already pointing there)
• A Gmail account that you’ll use for sending and receiving

☁️ Step 1: Set Up Cloudflare Email Routing

1. Go to Cloudflare and select your domain.
2. In the left sidebar, navigate to Email > Email Routing.
3. First, set up a destination address , this is your Gmail address where forwarded emails will arrive. Add it and verify.
4. Once verified, under Routing rules, click Create Address.
   • Example: [email protected] → your Gmail

📸

🎉 You’re halfway there. You can now receive emails at [email protected] in your Gmail inbox.

📤 Step 2: Send Emails as Your Custom Domain via Gmail

Receiving is cool, but what about sending emails from your new custom address?

Step-by-step:

1. Open Gmail and click the Gear icon ⚙️ → See all settings

2. Navigate to the Accounts and Import tab.
3. Under Send mail as, click Add another email address.
4. In the popup:
   • Name: Your display name
   • Email Address: Your custom domain email (e.g., [email protected])
   • Click Next Step

SMTP Configuration

• SMTP Server: smtp.gmail.com
• Port: 587
• Username: Your Gmail address
• Password: A Gmail App Password (explained below)

📸

🔐 Setting Up a Gmail App Password

To connect SMTP with Gmail, you’ll need an App Password, a secure, one-time use password,

1. Visit: https://myaccount.google.com/apppasswords
2. Google may prompt you to re-login.
3. Select “Mail” and give your app a name like “Domain Email SMTP.”
4. Click Generate and copy the 16-digit password.
   • ⚠️ The password is shown only once. Save it securely, and delete it once used.

📸

🔒 Important: App passwords bypass 2FA. Use them only where necessary and avoid sharing or storing them insecurely.

For more info: Forbes on App Passwords Exploits

Now go ahead and compose a new email. You’ll find your custom domain address in the “From” dropdown menu.

📸

✅ Final Touch: Fix the Gmail Red Flag

You might notice your emails show as “via Gmail” or land in spam. To improve trust and appearance:

1. Go to https://myaccount.google.com/alternateemail
2. Add your custom domain email as an alternate email address
3. Check your inbox and complete the verification process

🎉 Now your custom domain email not only works but looks professional and spam-free!

🚀 Wrapping Up

You now have:

• A professional custom domain email address
• Free, reliable email routing with Cloudflare
• Seamless Gmail integration for sending and receiving
• Improved deliverability and Gmail profile consistency

All for free 🎉

If this guide helped you or saved you money, consider sharing it or bookmarking it for future reference!

🔗 Helpful Links

• Cloudflare Email Routing Docs
• Gmail App Passwords Guide