Practical reference

MTA-STS policy examples for testing and enforce mode

An MTA-STS policy is a short text file served over HTTPS. Start in testing mode while you verify every active MX hostname.

Testing-mode example

version: STSv1
mode: testing
max_age: 2592000
mx: mail.example.com

Testing is a careful first step. It lets compatible sending services discover your policy while you check that normal mail continues to arrive.

Enforce-mode example

version: STSv1
mode: enforce
max_age: 2592000
mx: mail.example.com

Use enforce only after the MX list is complete and your policy is hosted over valid HTTPS. When you change a policy, update the DNS policy ID too.

Next: MTA-STS DNS record guide