Step 1: Set up Racknerd Server ( approx. $10.29/year)

• Purchase a Racknerd Server with the following specs:
  • 1 vCPU
  • 1GB RAM
  • Inbound email and backup MX setup

Step 2: Setup Mailcow Docker Server on Self-Hosted Server

• Install Docker on your self-hosted server (if not already installed)
• Pull the Mailcow Docker image from the official repository
• Run the Mailcow Docker container with the following configuration:
  • Domain: [your domain name]
  • Email address: [your email address]
  • Admin password: [choose a strong password]

Step 3: Install Wireguard Server on VPS Server

• Install Wireguard on your Racknerd VPS server (if not already installed)
• Generate a public and private key for the Wireguard server
• Configure the Wireguard server to use the generated keys

Step 4: Install Wireguard Client on Self-Hosted Server

• Install Wireguard on your self-hosted server (if not already installed)
• Import the public key from the VPS Wireguard server into the client
• Generate a private key for the client and save it securely

Step 5: Forward All VPS Email Ports to Wireguard Client Internal IP

• On your Racknerd VPS server, forward all email-related ports (e.g., 25, 587) to the internal IP address of your self-hosted Wireguard client
• Make sure to configure the port forwarding rules correctly to allow incoming email traffic

Step 6: Install Postfix on VPS and Set it up as a Backup MX

• Install Postfix on your Racknerd VPS server (if not already installed)
• Configure Postfix to act as a backup MX for your domain
• Make sure to set the correct priority and hostname for the backup MX configuration

Step 7: Configure Outbound Email Relay with Sendgrid, Brevo, or Amazon SES

• Sign up for an account with one of the following services:
  • Sendgrid (100 emails/day)
  • Brevo (300 emails/day)
  • Amazon SES
• Install and configure the chosen email relay service on your self-hosted server

Step 8: Configure DNS MX to Point to Your VPS Server Static IP

• Update your domain’s DNS settings to point the MX record to the static IP address of your Racker VPS server
• Make sure to save the changes and allow them to propagate through DNS (this may take up to 48 hours)

Step 9: Mailcow Server with Backup MX is Up and Running!

Congratulations! Your private self-hosted email server is now up and running, using a combination of Mailcow, Wireguard, and Postfix. You can now send and receive emails for unlimited domains and email accounts.

Note: Please make sure to test your setup thoroughly to ensure that it works as expected. Additionally, be aware of any specific requirements or recommendations for your chosen email relay service.