GoHighLevel Mailgun API Setup

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GoHighLevel Mailgun Private API Key Setup

If you manage client accounts in platforms like ClickUp and need reliable email delivery, connecting Mailgun to GoHighLevel with a private API key is essential. This guide walks you through every step to securely configure your Mailgun API credentials, verify your domain, and ensure emails are sent correctly from your GoHighLevel account.

This how-to is based on the official Mailgun and GoHighLevel integration instructions and focuses on using a private API key instead of the default public key for enhanced security.

Why Use a Private API Key in GoHighLevel?

By default, older setups sometimes relied on public API keys, which are less secure and limited. Using a private Mailgun API key with GoHighLevel gives you:

  • Improved account security and better protection of your Mailgun data
  • Full API access for sending, tracking, and managing email
  • Clear separation between sandbox and live domains
  • More reliable authentication when GoHighLevel connects to Mailgun

Before you start, make sure you have an active Mailgun account and an admin-level login to your GoHighLevel account.

Prerequisites for Mailgun and GoHighLevel

Confirm the following prerequisites are in place:

  • You have a verified Mailgun account.
  • You can log in to the Mailgun dashboard.
  • You can log in to your GoHighLevel agency or sub-account where email will be sent.
  • Your sending domain is ready to be added and configured.

Once these are in place, you can proceed with configuring the private API key and domain in GoHighLevel.

Step 1: Locate Your Mailgun Private API Key

The first step is to copy the private API key from your Mailgun dashboard so you can paste it into your GoHighLevel settings.

  1. Log in to your Mailgun account.

  2. In the left-hand navigation, click on Settings.

  3. Select API Keys from the submenu.

  4. Locate the section labeled Private API Key.

  5. Click the option to reveal or copy your private API key.

  6. Keep this key secure; you will paste it into GoHighLevel shortly.

Do not share this private API key publicly, and avoid storing it in unsecured documents or chats.

Step 2: Access GoHighLevel Mailgun Settings

Next, open the GoHighLevel settings area where Mailgun is integrated.

  1. Log in to your GoHighLevel account as an admin.

  2. From the left-side menu, click on Settings.

  3. Find and select the Mailgun or Email Services section (labeling may vary slightly).

  4. Confirm you are configuring the correct agency or sub-account in GoHighLevel for the domain you will send from.

This is where you will replace old keys or add your new private API key for Mailgun.

Step 3: Add Your Private API Key in GoHighLevel

With the private API key copied from Mailgun, you can now connect it securely to GoHighLevel.

  1. In the GoHighLevel Mailgun settings screen, look for the field labeled Mailgun API Key, Private API Key, or similar.

  2. Paste your private API key from Mailgun into this field.

  3. Ensure there are no extra spaces before or after the key.

  4. Click Save or Update to store the private API key in GoHighLevel.

After saving, GoHighLevel will use this new private API key for all email activity tied to Mailgun.

Step 4: Add and Verify Your Domain in GoHighLevel

To send emails from your own domain, both Mailgun and GoHighLevel must recognize and verify that domain.

  1. In the GoHighLevel Mailgun settings, find the area for Domain or Sending Domain.

  2. Enter the domain you want to send emails from (for example, example.com).

  3. Save your changes so GoHighLevel knows which domain is associated with the Mailgun account.

  4. Now return to Mailgun and navigate to Sending > Domains.

  5. Add the same domain if it is not already present.

  6. Mailgun will provide DNS records (TXT, MX, and possibly CNAME) that must be added to your domain’s DNS provider.

These DNS records allow Mailgun and GoHighLevel to send authenticated emails that pass SPF and DKIM checks.

DNS Configuration for GoHighLevel and Mailgun

In your DNS provider (for example, Cloudflare, GoDaddy, or Namecheap), add the records provided by Mailgun:

  • TXT records for SPF and DKIM verification
  • MX records to route bounced and inbound messages correctly (if needed)
  • CNAME records if Mailgun instructs you to add them for tracking or subdomains

DNS changes can take a few minutes up to 48 hours to propagate. Once they propagate, Mailgun will show your domain as verified, allowing GoHighLevel to send from that domain.

Step 5: Confirm Connection Between Mailgun and GoHighLevel

After the private API key and domain are saved, confirm that GoHighLevel can communicate with Mailgun properly.

  1. In GoHighLevel, stay in the Mailgun or email settings screen.

  2. Look for any status indicator that confirms a successful connection.

  3. If there is a test or verification button, click it to confirm the API connection.

  4. If an error appears, double-check the private API key and domain for accuracy.

Successful verification means GoHighLevel is now using Mailgun through your secure private API key.

Step 6: Send a Test Email from GoHighLevel

Once everything is set up, send a test email to verify real-world deliverability.

  1. Open any GoHighLevel sub-account where you want to test email sending.

  2. Create a simple contact with an email address you control.

  3. Use a bulk action, campaign, workflow, or a manual email send from within GoHighLevel to send a message.

  4. Check the inbox and spam folder for the test email.

  5. If the email arrives and looks correct, your Mailgun and GoHighLevel integration using the private API key is working as expected.

If the email does not arrive, review your Mailgun logs to confirm whether Mailgun received the request and whether it was accepted, bounced, or dropped.

Troubleshooting GoHighLevel Mailgun Private API Key Issues

If you run into problems connecting Mailgun and GoHighLevel:

  • Verify that you copied the private API key, not the public key.
  • Check that the private API key has not been revoked or rotated inside Mailgun.
  • Ensure your sending domain in GoHighLevel exactly matches the domain added in Mailgun.
  • Make sure all required DNS records are correctly added and have fully propagated.
  • Review Mailgun event logs for rejected or failed messages.

If issues persist, you can reference the original setup article on the official help center here: Mailgun Private API Key Setup.

Optimize Your GoHighLevel Email Infrastructure

Correct Mailgun configuration is only one part of a robust email and automation strategy. By combining secure email delivery, properly verified domains, and clear sending practices, you can improve inbox placement and protect your sender reputation.

If you need expert help building advanced automations, CRM structures, or technical setups around GoHighLevel, you can work with specialists at Consultevo for additional consulting and implementation support.

Next Steps After Configuring GoHighLevel and Mailgun

After you have connected your private API key and confirmed email delivery, consider:

  • Setting up additional authenticated sending domains in Mailgun and GoHighLevel.
  • Configuring tracking links and open tracking in Mailgun, if required.
  • Establishing a warm-up plan for new domains to avoid deliverability issues.
  • Building automated workflows, funnels, and campaigns in GoHighLevel that rely on your new, secure email setup.

With a properly configured private API key, your Mailgun and GoHighLevel integration will be more secure, reliable, and ready to support high-volume marketing and transactional email.

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