# Getting started

Add your domain, hand out your first address, pick a starter ruleset.

Source: https://jade.email/help/getting-started/

This page is the standalone walkthrough. It works independently of whatever first-run flow greets you when you sign up. Three things make a working Jade account: a domain you own, the categories you want mail sorted into, and the rules that do the sorting. You can set them up in any order and change them later.

## Step 1: Add a domain

Every address you hand out lives under a domain, such as `netflix@yourdomain.com` or `dentist@yourdomain.com`. Add and manage them under Settings → **Domains**.

On a trial you receive mail at an address Jade provides, so you can start right away. Adding a domain you own unlocks when you subscribe. See [Billing and plans](https://jade.email/help/billing.md).

There are two ways to add one:

1. Use a domain you already own

   Type your domain into the **Add New Domain** form and select **Add**. Jade gives you DNS records to add at your registrar (Cloudflare, Namecheap, GoDaddy, anywhere). Once the records are live, the domain shows **Sending** and **Receiving** as ready and you can send and receive at it.

   DNS isn't instant. Propagation usually takes minutes but can be longer. The [Domains and DNS](https://jade.email/help/domains.md) guide explains what each record does and what to check if verification stalls.

2. Buy a new one

   The **Buy another domain** button opens a search-and-purchase flow powered by Entri. Jade configures DNS for you on purchase, so the domain shows up ready without a separate setup step.

Pick a dedicated domain

Jade takes over mail handling for the domain, so every address under it routes here. Use a domain you intend for Jade, not one you already use as your primary work or personal address.

## Step 2: Add categories

Categories are the buckets your mail sorts into. They show up as colors on email rows, as filter views in the sidebar, and as the destination for rule actions. Create them under Settings → **Categories**: each gets a name, a color, and an optional description.

There's no required set or count. Make whatever categories match how you want to read your mail. The [Categories](https://jade.email/help/categories.md) guide covers color, hiding, and what changes when you delete one.

## Step 3: Add rules

Rules are how mail gets into a category. Without them, every email lands uncategorized. Build them under Settings → Rulesets as a reusable bundle, or attach them directly to a single inbox under that inbox's settings.

The [Rules and rule sets](https://jade.email/help/rules.md) guide covers conditions, actions, ordering, and the difference between per-inbox rules and reusable rule sets.

## Use Jade on your iPhone

Download [Jade Email from the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6794716502) and sign in to your Jade account. The app requires iOS 18 or later.

To set up alerts on your iPhone, see [Notifications](https://jade.email/help/notifications.md).

## Connect an AI assistant

Connect [Jade's official ChatGPT plugin](https://chatgpt.com/plugins/plugin_asdk_app_6a85fc2856348191a597b910e7b057c9) to work with your mail in ChatGPT. See [Connecting an AI assistant](https://jade.email/help/mcp.md) for installation steps and example requests.

## What to do once you're set up

- **Hand out an address.** Type a new local part into a sign-up form, and the inbox shows up the moment the first email arrives. No need to pre-create it.
- **Send a test message** to yourself to confirm sending works. The [Sending email](https://jade.email/help/sending-email.md) guide covers the composer.
- **Adjust as mail arrives.** If a rule over- or under-classifies, edit it.