Summary
All expert, marketer, and documentation sources overwhelmingly confirm that updating DMARC records requires access to your domain's DNS settings. This access is typically managed via the domain registrar or DNS hosting provider. DMARC is added as a TXT record to the DNS zone. It's crucial to note that the domain registrar, DNS host, and web host may be the same or separate entities. If using a third-party DNS provider (e.g., Cloudflare), updates should be made there. Accessing the DNS zone file requires logging into the relevant provider's interface.
Key findings
- DNS Access is Mandatory: Updating DMARC records is impossible without access to your domain's DNS settings.
- TXT Record Implementation: DMARC is implemented as a TXT record within your DNS zone.
- DNS Management Location: DNS settings are typically managed through the domain registrar or DNS hosting provider, not the web host.
Key considerations
- Provider Variability: Your domain registrar, DNS host, and web host could be a single entity or three separate companies.
- Third-Party DNS Considerations: If using a third-party DNS provider, ensure updates are made there and not at the registrar level.
- Interface Login Required: Modifying DMARC settings mandates logging into the appropriate provider's interface to access the DNS zone file.
- Not WordPress Related: Updating DMARC is generally not related to your WordPress or web hosting account; it focuses on the domain's DNS records.
What email marketers say
9 marketer opinions
All sources agree that updating DMARC records requires access to your domain's DNS settings. This access is typically managed through your domain registrar or DNS hosting provider, which could be the same or different from your web hosting provider. The DMARC record is added as a TXT record in your DNS zone, and modifying it requires logging into your DNS provider's interface.
Key opinions
- DNS Access Required: Updating DMARC records necessitates access to your domain's DNS settings.
- TXT Record: DMARC is added to your DNS zone as a TXT record.
- Registrar/Host: DNS settings are typically managed through your domain registrar or DNS hosting provider.
Key considerations
- Provider Variation: Your domain registrar, DNS host, and web host may be the same or different entities.
- Interface Access: Modifying DMARC records requires logging into your DNS provider's interface.
- TXT Record Creation: You need to be able to create and edit TXT records within your DNS settings.
Marketer view
Email marketer from StackOverflow responds that you need to modify the DNS records of your domain to include the DMARC record. This usually means logging into your domain registrar's website.
27 Dec 2021 - StackOverflow
Marketer view
Email marketer from EasyDMARC responds that a DMARC record is added as a TXT record in your DNS zone. To do this, you need access to your domain registrar or DNS hosting provider's control panel.
5 May 2024 - EasyDMARC
What the experts say
3 expert opinions
All expert sources confirm that updating DMARC records necessitates access to your domain's DNS settings, typically managed by your domain host. Access to the DNS zone file is essential, and if using a third-party DNS provider like Cloudflare, updates should be made there rather than through your web host (e.g., WordPress).
Key opinions
- DNS Access is Key: Updating DMARC requires direct access to your domain's DNS settings.
- Managed by Domain Host: DNS records are typically managed by your domain host, not your web host (like WordPress).
- TXT Record: DMARC is added as a TXT record within your DNS zone file.
Key considerations
- Third-Party DNS: If you delegate your DNS to a third-party provider (e.g., Cloudflare), updates must be made there.
- Zone File Access: You need direct access to the DNS zone file to make DMARC updates.
- Host Control Panel: Domain hosts usually provide a control panel or system for updating DNS records.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise (Laura Atkins) shares that DMARC is added as a TXT record to the DNS settings for your domain, this does indeed mean you need access to the DNS zone file, and if you use a third party for DNS such as Cloudflare, you'll need to update it where you delegate your DNS.
10 Jan 2022 - Word to the Wise
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource (John Levine) explains that setting up DMARC requires the ability to edit DNS records for your domain, typically managed by your domain host.
2 Jul 2021 - Spam Resource
What the documentation says
3 technical articles
The documentation from Google, Microsoft, and Cloudflare uniformly states that updating DMARC records requires access to your domain's DNS settings. These settings are typically found with your domain host or registrar. Specific instructions for updating DNS records may vary based on your hosting service.
Key findings
- DNS Access Required: Updating DMARC necessitates access to your domain's DNS settings.
- Domain Host: DNS settings are typically located with your domain host or registrar.
- DMARC Record Type: DMARC records are added as TXT records in the DNS settings.
Key considerations
- Host-Specific Instructions: The exact steps for creating, editing, or deleting DNS records will depend on your DNS hosting service provider.
- Record Type: Ensure you are creating a TXT record specifically for DMARC.
Technical article
Documentation from Google explains that to add or edit DMARC TXT records, you need to access your domain's DNS settings, which are usually found with your domain host. Instructions vary depending on your host.
13 Sep 2022 - Google
Technical article
Documentation from Cloudflare shares that DMARC records are added via your DNS settings at your domain registrar or DNS host.
2 Sep 2022 - Cloudflare
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