Summary
Setting up DKIM with A2 Hosting involves using the cPanel's 'Email Deliverability' feature for automated configuration, or manually adding a TXT record in the Zone Editor, ensuring correct type, name (e.g., `default._domainkey.yourdomain.com`), and value. Avoid adding the domain name twice. Utilize online tools like WhatsMyDNS or MXToolbox to verify DNS propagation. Address common errors such as incorrect TXT record syntax, typos, and DNS propagation delays. If the DKIM key is too long, split the record. Flush the local DNS cache and check the TTL setting. Use at least a 2048-bit DKIM key. Diagnose DKIM issues by sending a test email to Gmail and checking headers for 'dkim=pass'. Understand that while not a silver bullet, DKIM, SPF, and DMARC are crucial for email deliverability. Use dig command to see dns records. Remember that the traling dot is normal.
Key findings
- cPanel Setup: A2 Hosting cPanel offers an 'Email Deliverability' option for automated DKIM setup.
- DNS Propagation: DNS propagation delays are a common cause of validation issues. Use tools like WhatsMyDNS to check.
- TXT Record Syntax: Ensure the DKIM TXT record has the correct syntax, including 'v=DKIM1'.
- Domain Name Duplication: Adding the domain name twice is a common mistake when creating the record name.
- Key Length Limitation: If the DKIM key is too long, split the record into multiple TXT records.
- Local DNS Cache: Flushing the local DNS cache ensures you query the latest DNS records.
- TTL Impact: A high TTL setting can delay DNS propagation; a lower TTL can help with faster updates.
- Gmail Header Verification: Send test email to Gmail and see 'dkim=pass' in header.
- dig Command: Use dig Command to check DNS records
Key considerations
- Enable DKIM in cPanel: First, check for the automated DKIM setup option in A2 Hosting's cPanel.
- Use DNS Verification Tools: Utilize tools like WhatsMyDNS and MXToolbox to confirm DNS propagation.
- Syntax Accuracy: Double-check the DKIM TXT record syntax to avoid errors like a missing 'v=DKIM1' tag.
- DNS Record Naming: Take care to avoid adding the domain name twice in the record name; panels may append it automatically.
- DNS Splitting: If your DKIM key is too long, split the record to avoid exceeding DNS provider limits.
- Regular Cache Flushing: Flush your local DNS cache regularly to ensure accurate results during troubleshooting.
- Optimal TTL: Set a lower TTL for faster DNS updates, but be mindful of caching implications.
- DKIM, SPF, DMARC: Implement all 3 to ensure better deliverability
- Dig Command: Use dig command to see dns records and see if the values are correct.
What email marketers say
9 marketer opinions
Setting up DKIM with A2 Hosting involves adding a TXT record to your domain's DNS settings. Troubleshooting validation issues involves several steps. First, use online tools like WhatsMyDNS or MXToolbox to check for correct DNS propagation. Ensure the DKIM TXT record has the correct syntax, starting with 'v=DKIM1'. Avoid common errors like adding the domain name twice in the record name or having typos. If the public key is too long, split the DKIM record. Flush your local DNS cache and check the TTL setting. Use at least a 2048 bit DKIM key for increased security.
Key opinions
- DNS Propagation: DNS propagation delays are a common cause of validation issues. Use online tools to verify propagation.
- Syntax Errors: Incorrect syntax in the DKIM TXT record, such as a missing 'v=DKIM1' tag, can cause validation failures.
- Record Name: Adding the domain name twice in the record name is a frequent mistake.
- Key Length: Long DKIM keys may need to be split into multiple TXT records due to length limits.
- Local Cache: Flushing your local DNS cache ensures you are querying the most up-to-date DNS records.
Key considerations
- Online Tools: Use online tools like WhatsMyDNS and MXToolbox to verify DNS propagation and diagnose errors.
- Record Syntax: Double-check the DKIM TXT record's syntax, ensuring it starts with 'v=DKIM1' and includes the correct public key.
- Domain Name: Be careful not to add the domain name twice when creating the DKIM record in your DNS settings.
- Key Splitting: If your DKIM key is too long, split it into multiple TXT records to comply with DNS provider limits.
- TTL Setting: Check the TTL setting for your DKIM record; a lower TTL can help with faster updates.
- Key Security: Use a 2048 bit DKIM key for increased security over older 1024 bit keys.
Marketer view
Email marketer from StackExchange recommends flushing your local DNS cache to ensure you're querying the latest DNS records. This can be done via command line (`ipconfig /flushdns` on Windows, `dscacheutil -flushcache` on macOS).
10 Oct 2022 - StackExchange
Marketer view
Email marketer from MXToolbox shares that their DKIM record lookup tool can be used to check the DKIM record and diagnose any errors. Paste in your selector `default._domainkey.yourdomain.com` to view the record. The record should also be checked without the domain name
26 Jul 2024 - MXToolbox
What the experts say
4 expert opinions
Troubleshooting DKIM setup with A2 Hosting involves checking DNS records, understanding DNS propagation, and verifying authentication. It's recommended to use tools like `dig` to inspect DNS records and to be aware that DNS resolvers can cache old answers, requiring some wait time. The trailing dot in DNS records is a standard convention. Sending a test email to Gmail and inspecting the headers for 'dkim=pass' is a way to confirm DKIM authentication. While DKIM, SPF, and DMARC are not a guaranteed solution for deliverability, lacking them almost certainly prevents good inbox placement.
Key opinions
- DNS Inspection: Using `dig` can help diagnose DNS issues, including incorrect DKIM records.
- DNS Propagation: DNS propagation delays can cause validation failures, even with correct settings.
- Gmail Header Check: Gmail headers can confirm successful DKIM authentication with 'dkim=pass'.
- Authentication Importance: DKIM, SPF, and DMARC are critical for email deliverability; without them, inbox placement is unlikely.
Key considerations
- DNS Tooling: Become familiar with tools like `dig` to inspect and diagnose DNS records.
- Patience: Allow sufficient time for DNS changes to propagate before troubleshooting further.
- Header Analysis: Learn to read email headers to verify DKIM authentication results.
- Authentication Suite: Implement DKIM, SPF, and DMARC together for comprehensive email authentication.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks explains that the trailing dot is a DNS thing and exists at a protocol level for all hostnames.
29 Mar 2023 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource explains that a good way to diagnose DKIM signing issues is to send a test email to a Gmail address and view the original headers, looking for 'dkim=pass' to confirm authentication.
22 Sep 2021 - Spam Resource
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
Setting up DKIM with A2 Hosting involves enabling it through the 'Email Deliverability' option in cPanel, which often configures DKIM automatically. If manual configuration is needed, use the Zone Editor in cPanel to add a TXT record with the provided DKIM information, ensuring the correct type, name (e.g., `default._domainkey.yourdomain.com`), and value are added, avoiding duplication of the domain name. DNS propagation can take up to 24 hours. The RFC 6376 specification provides comprehensive technical details on DKIM, though it can be complex.
Key findings
- cPanel Automation: A2 Hosting's cPanel often automates DKIM configuration through the 'Email Deliverability' feature.
- Zone Editor: Manual DKIM setup involves adding a TXT record in cPanel's Zone Editor.
- Record Details: Correctly setting the type, name, and value of the TXT record is critical.
- DNS Propagation Time: DNS propagation can take up to 24 hours after changes.
- RFC 6376 Details: RFC 6376 provides the official DKIM specification for technical details.
Key considerations
- Automated Configuration: Check the 'Email Deliverability' section in A2 Hosting's cPanel for automated DKIM setup.
- Manual Setup Steps: Use cPanel's Zone Editor to add a TXT record with the details provided by your email service provider.
- Record Accuracy: Ensure the TXT record's type, name, and value are accurate, avoiding duplication of the domain name.
- DNS Wait Time: Allow sufficient time (up to 24 hours) for DNS changes to propagate.
- RFC Reference: Consult RFC 6376 for detailed technical specifications, if needed.
Technical article
Documentation from cPanel explains that to add a DNS record, navigate to the Zone Editor, select your domain, then add a record, setting the type (e.g., TXT), name, TTL, and record appropriately.
7 Aug 2022 - cPanel
Technical article
Documentation from A2 Hosting details that users should use the Zone Editor in cPanel to add the DNS records provided by your email service (likely iContact in this case). Ensure the correct type (TXT), name (likely `default._domainkey.yourdomain.com`), and value are added. It advises against adding the domain name itself if the panel automatically appends it.
13 Dec 2024 - A2 Hosting
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