Migration
Jan 17, 2026
CEO and co-founder
How to Migrate from Mailreef to Inframail: Step-by-Step Guide
Why agencies switch from Mailreef to Inframail
The primary driver is economics. Mailreef charges $249/month for their Agency Flex plan, which includes a single dedicated server with 50 domains and 200 mailboxes maximum. You also pay $0.001 per email sent. That per-email cost adds up at volume. Sending 100,000 emails monthly adds $100 to your bill.
Inframail charges $129/month for the Unlimited Plan with unlimited inboxes on a single dedicated IP. No per-email fees. No server capacity limits. For agencies managing multiple clients across 150+ inboxes, the savings compound quickly.
The second driver is access. Mailreef requires an application describing your business operations before approval. Their application page asks you to "describe what your company does in two sentences" because they screen every customer. Inframail has no approval gate. You sign up, add domains, and start provisioning inboxes the same day.
Factor | Mailreef Agency Flex | Inframail Unlimited |
|---|---|---|
Monthly cost | $249 + $0.001/email | $129 flat |
Inbox limit | 200 per server | Unlimited |
Domain limit | 50 per server | Unlimited |
Dedicated IPs | 1 per server | 1 (3 on Agency Pack at $276/month) |
Approval required | Yes | No |
For a visual breakdown of dedicated versus shared infrastructure, watch our Dedicated IP vs Shared IP Pools comparison on YouTube.
The hidden cost of per-inbox pricing models
Per-server pricing creates a margin ceiling. Here's the math for an agency managing 15 clients with an average of 20 inboxes each (300 total inboxes):
Mailreef cost for 300 inboxes:
2 servers required (200 + 100) = $747/month base (3 servers required for 300 inboxes, 3 x $249)
150,000 emails monthly (500/inbox average) = $150/month
Total: $897/month
Inframail cost for 300 inboxes:
Unlimited Plan: $129/month
Domain costs (amortized): ~$50/month for 60 domains at $10/year
Total: $179/month
That's $718/month in savings, or $8,616 annually. For an agency billing $30,000/month across those 15 clients, that's nearly 2% of revenue returned to margin.
Adding 5 more clients shouldn't require buying another server. With flat-rate infrastructure, scaling from 15 to 20 clients adds zero to your infrastructure bill beyond domain purchases. Check our guide on calculating email sending capacity to plan your actual requirements.
Dedicated IPs vs. shared infrastructure control
Both Mailreef and Inframail provide dedicated IP infrastructure. The difference lies in how that infrastructure scales.
Mailreef gives you 1 dedicated IP per server. If you need IP diversity for better deliverability across different client campaigns, you buy additional servers at $249 each. Three dedicated IPs costs $747/month on Mailreef.
Inframail's Agency Pack includes 3 dedicated US-based IPs for $276/month. You get the same IP diversity at one-third the cost, with no inbox limits per IP.
Think of it like renting versus owning. Mailreef is renting a furnished apartment: convenient, but you're limited to what the landlord provides and pay premium rent. Inframail is buying the building: fixed cost, total control over how you use the space.
The dedicated IP advantage means your sending reputation stays isolated. When you're on shared IP pools, one bad actor spamming gets the entire range flagged. With dedicated IPs, your behavior alone determines ESP trust. Our Ultimate Cold Email Infrastructure Guide covers the technical details of why this matters for deliverability.
Prerequisites before starting your migration
Before touching anything, gather these items:
Mailreef dashboard access with admin permissions to view domains and export data
Domain registrar credentials (Namecheap, GoDaddy, Cloudflare) if your domains were purchased externally
A spreadsheet of current active inboxes including domain, username, and current sending volume
Sending platform login (Instantly, Smartlead, or your current tool) to update SMTP credentials later
$129 for Inframail Unlimited Plan or $276 for Agency Pack
Critical: Do not cancel Mailreef yet. You'll run both platforms simultaneously for 14-21 days during warmup. Premature cancellation means campaign downtime.
Exporting your current domain list and data
Log into Mailreef and document every active domain. For each domain, note:
Domain name
Number of mailboxes attached
Approximate daily sending volume per mailbox
Reputation status (high performers vs. potential burns)
Mailreef supports API access and Zapier integration for programmatic export. If you have developer resources, you can pull this data automatically. Otherwise, manual export works fine for most agencies under 100 domains.
Identify which domains have strong reputation based on inbox placement rates over the past 30 days. These are candidates for transfer. Domains with declining deliverability or blacklist history should be retired rather than migrated. Fresh domains on Inframail will outperform burned domains every time.
Preparing your sending platform
Your sending tool (Instantly, Smartlead, or similar) needs configuration updates when you swap SMTP credentials. Before starting migration:
Document your current campaign sequences and settings
Note which inboxes are assigned to which campaigns
Plan the credential swap timing for minimal disruption
Inframail works with all major cold email platforms including Instantly.ai, Smartlead, and Reachinbox. The credential export format is compatible with bulk import features on these platforms.
Step 1: Transferring or repurchasing domains
You have two options for domains currently in Mailreef:
Option A: Transfer existing domains
If you purchased domains through Mailreef and want to keep them, you'll need to:
Request domain unlock from Mailreef dashboard
Obtain EPP/authorization code for each domain
Initiate transfer to your registrar or directly to Inframail
Note: ICANN requires a 60-day waiting period after domain registration before transfer. Newly purchased Mailreef domains may not be immediately transferable.
Option B: Purchase fresh domains through Inframail (Recommended)
For most agencies, buying new domains provides a cleaner migration path. Fresh domains:
Start with neutral reputation (no inherited issues)
Skip the transfer waiting period
Avoid potential complications with EPP codes
Inframail domains cost $5-16 per year purchased directly through the platform. For 50 domains, you're looking at $250-800 one-time cost. Compare that to the annual savings of $8,616+ on infrastructure and the math favors fresh domains.
Our 4-minute setup video shows how to buy 5 domains and set up 10 inboxes quickly. The domain purchase happens inside the same workflow as inbox provisioning.
Handling DNS records during the transfer
If you transfer existing domains, DNS records need updating. With domains purchased through Inframail, this happens automatically.
For transferred domains:
Update nameservers to point to Inframail's infrastructure
Inframail's automation handles SPF, DKIM, and DMARC record creation
DNS propagation takes 24-48 hours for full global distribution
The platform automatically configures the technical records that would otherwise require manual panel work. No logging into GoDaddy or Cloudflare to create TXT records. Our guide on custom domains covers the specifics of what gets configured.
Step 2: Automating infrastructure setup in Inframail
After signing up at app.inframail.io/signUp, the dashboard walks you through domain setup.
The workflow:
Click "Add Domain" in the dashboard
Enter domain name (or purchase new domains inline)
Click the auto-configure button
System creates SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records automatically
Wait for DNS propagation (typically 1-4 hours, up to 24 hours)
The Inframail Demo 2024 video shows the current UI and exact button locations. For a complete walkthrough from signup to credential export, watch the Inframail Walkthrough which covers registration, automation flow, and Instantly bulk import.
Configuring SPF, DKIM, and DMARC automatically
When Mailreef managed your DNS, they handled record creation. With Inframail, the same automation applies.
What gets configured:
SPF (Sender Policy Framework): Authorizes Inframail's servers to send on your domain's behalf
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): Adds cryptographic signature to verify email authenticity
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication): Tells receiving servers how to handle authentication failures
These records typically propagate within a few minutes to 48 hours depending on TTL settings and DNS provider caching. For planning purposes, assume 24 hours before running deliverability tests.
If you're migrating transferred domains (not purchased through Inframail), you may need registrar access to update nameservers. The Getting Started guide in our help center covers both scenarios.
Step 3: Provisioning inboxes and exporting credentials
With domains configured, create your email accounts. Inframail provisions Microsoft-based inboxes on your dedicated IP.
Creating inboxes:
Select configured domain in dashboard
Add user accounts (e.g., john@yourdomain.com, sarah@yourdomain.com)
System generates IMAP/SMTP credentials for each inbox
Repeat across all domains
The Create Unlimited Cold Email Inboxes video demonstrates the bulk creation process. Customer testimonials report setting up 10 inboxes in under 2 minutes once domains are configured.
Every inbox you create lives on your plan's dedicated IP(s). Unlimited Plan provides 1 dedicated US-based IP. Agency Pack provides 3 dedicated US-based IPs, allowing you to distribute inboxes across multiple IPs for reputation diversification.
For agencies managing client campaigns, consider assigning different client domains to different IPs. If one client's campaign generates complaints, only that IP's reputation suffers. Your other clients remain unaffected.
The step-by-step setup tutorial from Shivam Gupta covers the practical workflow for cold email infrastructure setup.
Importing SMTP data into your sending tool
After creating inboxes, export credentials for your sending platform:
Navigate to the Update tab in Inframail dashboard
Download CSV file containing SMTP credentials
The CSV export process includes all fields needed for Instantly/Smartlead import
Use your sending platform's bulk import feature to add new accounts
CSV typically includes:
Email address
SMTP server address
SMTP port
Username
Password
IMAP server (for reply tracking)
Keep this CSV secure. Anyone with these credentials can send from your domains. Our article on common SMTP issues covers troubleshooting if you encounter connection problems during import.
Step 4: The phased warmup strategy
This is the critical section. Rushing this step kills deliverability.
New email addresses require minimum 14 days of warmup. Brand-new domains need up to 4 weeks. During this period, your Inframail inboxes shouldn't carry production campaign volume.
The parallel strategy:
Keep Mailreef running at full capacity during days 1-14
Warm Inframail inboxes using a warmup tool (Warmbox, Lemwarm, or similar)
Gradually shift production volume to Inframail starting day 8-10
Complete transition by day 15-21
This approach means zero downtime. Your campaigns never pause. You're essentially building redundant infrastructure before decommissioning the old system.
Our warmup guide for Inframail migrations covers the specific process for newly provisioned accounts.
Managing the overlap period to prevent downtime
Here's the daily schedule for a 14-day migration:
Days 1-7: Warmup only
Inframail inboxes: 10-20 warmup emails/day per inbox via warmup tool
Mailreef inboxes: 100% of production campaign volume
Action: Monitor warmup progress and Inframail inbox placement
Days 8-10: Initial production shift
Inframail inboxes: Continue warmup + route 25% of new leads
Mailreef inboxes: 75% of production volume
Action: Test deliverability with Mail-Tester (target 9+/10 score)
Days 11-12: Expand production
Inframail inboxes: Route 50% of leads
Mailreef inboxes: 50% of production volume
Action: Check complaint rates (should be under 0.3%)
Days 13-14: Majority shift
Inframail inboxes: Route 75% of leads
Mailreef inboxes: 25% of production volume
Action: Verify inbox placement rates match or exceed Mailreef performance
Day 15+: Full migration
Inframail inboxes: 100% of production volume
Mailreef: Ready for cancellation after 3 consecutive days of stable Inframail performance
The email warmup domain guide provides additional context on warmup best practices and timeline expectations.
Post-migration checklist and cost analysis
After completing the phased warmup:
Verification steps:
Run Mail-Tester on 5 random Inframail inboxes (target 9+/10)
Send test emails to Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo accounts to verify inbox placement
Check blacklist status for your dedicated IP
Review campaign metrics for first 72 hours of full Inframail operation
Confirm all sending platform connections are stable
Mailreef cancellation:
Once Inframail performance is verified (3+ days of stable metrics), cancel your Mailreef subscription. If you're on the Agency Flex plan ($249/month monthly billing), cancellation takes effect at the end of your billing cycle. The Agency plan requires annual commitment, so check your contract dates.
Our help center article on detecting spam placement covers the metrics to monitor post-migration.
Calculating your new cost-per-inbox
Post-migration, calculate your actual infrastructure cost:
Inframail monthly cost:
Platform: $129/month (Unlimited) or $276/month (Agency Pack)
Domains: Annual cost ÷ 12 (e.g., 50 domains at $10/year = $500/year = $42/month)
Warmup tool: $15-50/month per inbox during warmup, reduced after (external tool required)
Sending platform: Unchanged from current (Instantly, Smartlead, etc.)
Cost-per-inbox formula:
(Platform + Amortized Domains) ÷ Active Inboxes = Cost per inbox
For 100 inboxes on Unlimited Plan:
($129 + $42) ÷ 100 = $1.71/inbox/month
Compare to Mailreef:
$249 ÷ 100 (single server, at 50% capacity) = $2.49/inbox/month + per-email fees
The savings grow as you scale. At 300 inboxes, Inframail stays at ~$0.57/inbox while Mailreef requires multiple servers pushing cost to $2.49+/inbox before email fees.
Real users report significant results after migration. Bhavesh Kumar detailed booking 200+ appointments per month with Inframail infrastructure. Daphné Barret shared her experience booking 30+ calls monthly.
Sign up to Inframail and get started today.
Frequently asked questions about Mailreef migration
Can I keep my exact email addresses when migrating?
Yes, if you transfer your domains (not purchase new ones), you create identical usernames on Inframail. The email addresses remain the same; only the underlying infrastructure changes.
Will I lose my email history?
Cold email infrastructure typically doesn't require historical email retention. For compliance purposes, export any needed records from Mailreef before cancellation. Inframail inboxes start fresh.
How long does DNS propagation take after domain transfer?
Typically 1-4 hours for most changes, with a maximum of 48 hours for global propagation. Plan for 24 hours before running production campaigns on transferred domains.
Do I need to cancel Mailreef before starting?
No. Keep Mailreef active during the 14-day warmup period. Cancel only after Inframail is running stable production volume for 3+ consecutive days.
What if my Mailreef domains are under 60 days old?
ICANN transfer lock applies. You cannot transfer domains registered within the last 60 days. In this case, purchasing fresh domains on Inframail is your only option.
Does Inframail include email warmup?
Inframail requires external warmup tools like Warmbox or Lemwarm ($15-50/month per inbox). The DFY Email Campaign Setup package ($299/month) includes free warmup.
Key terminology for email infrastructure migration
EPP Code (Authorization Code): A unique password-like string required to transfer domain ownership between registrars. Mailreef or your registrar provides this upon request.
DNS Propagation: The time required for DNS record changes to update across global servers. Changes made at your registrar take time to reach every DNS resolver worldwide.
Dedicated IP: An IP address used exclusively by your account. Your sending reputation is isolated from other users, unlike shared IP pools where one bad actor affects everyone.
SPF/DKIM/DMARC: Email authentication protocols that verify sender identity. SPF authorizes sending servers, DKIM adds cryptographic signatures, and DMARC defines handling rules for authentication failures.
Warmup Period: The initial phase (14-28 days) when new email accounts gradually build sending reputation through low-volume, high-engagement sends before production campaigns.
