# Quickstart

> Add a domain, create an API key, and receive your first email in a few minutes.

This guide runs the [agent inbox loop](/concepts/model) end to end: you'll add
a domain and receive real mail. You need a domain you control and access to its
DNS settings.

<Note>
  Prefer to click through it? The [console](https://inboundr.net/console) has a
  guided onboarding wizard that walks through these same steps.
</Note>

## 1. Create an account

Sign in at [inboundr.net/login](https://inboundr.net/login). Inboundr is
passwordless — enter your email and open the magic link we send you.

## 2. Add and verify a domain

In the console, go to **Domains → Add domain** and enter a domain you own (for
example `yourdomain.com`). Inboundr returns a set of DNS records:

- an **MX record** so mail for the domain is routed to Inboundr, and
- **DKIM CNAME records** that verify you own the domain.

Publish these at your DNS host. Inboundr re-checks every few minutes; once the
records are live the domain flips to **verified** and can receive mail.

<Tip>
  You can create addresses and API keys while the domain is still `pending` —
  mail just won't flow until it's verified.
</Tip>

## 3. Create an API key

Go to **API keys → Create key** and copy the key — it's shown once and starts
with `inb_`. Store it as an environment variable:

```bash
export INBOUNDR_API_KEY="inb_xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"
```

The same key authenticates both the [REST API](/api-reference/introduction) and
the [MCP server](/integrations/mcp).

## 4. Receive email

Send a message **to** any address on your verified domain (catch-all accepts all
of them). Then list your inbox:

```bash
curl "https://inboundr.net/api/v1/emails?direction=inbound" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $INBOUNDR_API_KEY"
```

To receive mail in real time instead of polling, create a
[webhook endpoint](/concepts/endpoints) and route an address to it — you'll get
a signed `email.received` payload the moment mail arrives.

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Receive email" icon="inbox" href="/guides/receiving-email">
    Webhooks, catch-all, and store-only inboxes.
  </Card>
  <Card title="Build an email agent" icon="robot" href="/guides/build-an-agent">
    Hand the loop to an agent over MCP.
  </Card>
  <Card title="API reference" icon="terminal" href="/api-reference/introduction">
    Every endpoint, parameter, and response.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>