Do I need domain host access to update DMARC records?
Michael Ko
Co-founder & CEO, Suped
Published 9 Aug 2025
Updated 19 Aug 2025
8 min read
Setting up DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) is a critical step for protecting your domain from email spoofing and phishing attacks. It helps email receivers verify that incoming mail from your domain is legitimately from you and provides valuable reports on unauthenticated mail. However, a common hurdle many individuals and businesses face when trying to implement DMARC is understanding where these records need to be placed and who has the necessary access to modify them.
The core of DMARC configuration revolves around DNS, the Domain Name System. This system acts like the internet's phonebook, translating human-readable domain names into IP addresses. Any email authentication record, including DMARC, SPF, and DKIM, must reside within your domain's DNS settings. This immediately points to the crucial role of your domain host.
So, do you need domain host access to update DMARC records? The short answer is yes, you almost certainly do. Let's delve into why that is and explore the different scenarios you might encounter when trying to get your DMARC records in place.
A DMARC record is published as a TXT record in your domain's DNS. This special record tells receiving mail servers how to handle emails that claim to be from your domain but fail SPF or DKIM authentication checks. It also instructs them on where to send aggregate and forensic reports, giving you insight into email activity related to your domain.
To add or modify any DNS record, you need access to the control panel or interface provided by your DNS host. This is often, but not always, the same company where you registered your domain name (your domain registrar). Sometimes, your web host or a dedicated DNS management service might be the one controlling your domain's DNS records. Regardless of who it is, they are the gatekeepers to these critical settings.
The DMARC record must be placed at the _dmarc subdomain of your primary domain. For instance, for example.com, the DMARC record would be configured for _dmarc.example.com. This specific naming convention is crucial for mail servers to find and apply your DMARC policy. You can find more information about where these records should be placed at the Suped knowledge base.
Without direct access to the DNS settings, you cannot add or modify this TXT record. Web hosting platforms like WordPress provide tools for managing your website content, and email service providers like Microsoft 365 offer administrative panels for email management, but these typically do not grant access to the underlying DNS records that govern your entire domain. You would need to make these changes with your domain host, where your domain's DNS is managed.
Why direct domain host access is essential
Direct access to your domain host's control panel is fundamental because DMARC is a domain-wide policy. It affects all email sent from your domain, regardless of the specific email service or web hosting provider you use. The DNS records are the authoritative source for how your domain's email is authenticated globally. Without this access, you're effectively locked out of making these crucial security enhancements.
Many businesses purchase domain registration, web hosting, and email services as a bundled package, often leading to confusion about where DNS records are actually managed. It's not uncommon for these services to be provided by separate entities, even if they were purchased through a single vendor (like a reseller). This separation means that accessing your website's backend, or even your email service's administrative portal, won't necessarily give you the keys to your DNS.
Scenario 1: Direct domain host access
You log into a portal like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains. From there, you navigate to your domain's DNS management section where you can directly add, edit, or delete TXT, MX, A, CNAME, and other records. This is the ideal situation for DMARC setup, as it gives you full control over your domain's authentication policies.
Control: Full authority over all DNS records, including DMARC.
Simplicity: Direct path to making required changes quickly.
Visibility: Clear overview of all your domain's configurations.
Scenario 2: Indirect or no domain host access
You only have access to a web hosting control panel (like WordPress admin) or an email service admin panel (like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace). While these platforms manage aspects of your online presence, they typically do not provide the necessary interface to modify raw DNS records. Your DNS might be managed by a third-party reseller or a different provider entirely, requiring you to contact them for any DNS changes. Many email service providers instruct you to update DNS with your host.
Dependency: Rely on a third party to implement changes, which can cause delays.
Complexity: Identifying the correct entity to contact can be difficult.
Limitations: May not have granular control over DMARC policy adjustments.
In essence, if you can't log into a platform that explicitly offers DNS management for your domain, you don't have the necessary access to update your DMARC records yourself.
Common roadblocks and navigating them
One of the most frequent issues arises when domains are purchased through resellers or included as part of a larger service package. These resellers might not directly own the domain or control its DNS. Instead, they act as an intermediary, reselling services from a larger registrar or DNS host. This creates a chain of custody that can make identifying the true DNS manager challenging.
Another common roadblock is simply not knowing who your domain host is, or lacking the login credentials. Over time, businesses change, personnel shifts, and crucial information like domain host logins can be misplaced. Without these credentials, you're effectively locked out of managing your domain's DNS, including critical records like DMARC, SPF, and DKIM.
The good news is that there are steps you can take. If your domain is with a reseller, your first step should be to press them for information on who their upstream DNS provider is, or to request that they make the DMARC changes on your behalf. If direct access to the DNS settings is absolutely necessary, you may need to initiate a domain transfer to a registrar where you can directly manage the DNS, although this can be a more involved process. Keep in mind that Microsoft 365 provides guidance for adding DNS records with various hosting providers.
What to do if you don't have direct access
If you don't have direct domain host access, the first step is to identify who your DNS provider is. You can often do this by performing a WHOIS lookup for your domain. This will typically reveal your domain registrar and the nameservers being used. The nameservers usually point to your DNS host. Once you have this information, you can contact their support or administrative team to request access or to ask them to publish the DMARC TXT record for you.
When you do get access, remember to start with a p=none DMARC policy. This policy setting means that receiving mail servers will not take any action on emails that fail DMARC authentication, but they will still send you reports. This is crucial for gathering data and understanding your email ecosystem without risking legitimate emails being blocked or sent to spam. You can find more details on simple DMARC examples and policies in our guides.
It's also important to understand that if your DNS is hosted with a provider that offers specific email services, they might have their own interfaces or processes for updating DMARC, SPF, and DKIM. For example, some web hosts may provide a simplified interface within their control panel for these records, even if it's not a full DNS editor. Always check their specific documentation or contact their support team for the most accurate instructions on how to set up your records.
Important takeaway
The key is that DMARC records must be published in your domain's DNS. While the path to that DNS access might vary depending on who your domain registrar, DNS host, and web host are, direct manipulation of those DNS records is the ultimate requirement. If you encounter issues, don't hesitate to contact your domain registrar or current DNS provider's support team for assistance in locating or gaining access to these critical settings. You might also find our guide to setting up DMARC records helpful.
Views from the trenches
Best practices
Always identify your true DNS host, which may be different from your domain registrar or web host.
Maintain clear documentation of all domain login credentials and who has access.
Start with a DMARC policy of p=none to monitor impact before enforcing.
Common pitfalls
Confusing web hosting access (like WordPress) with domain DNS access.
Assuming your email provider's admin panel allows DMARC record updates.
Not knowing who your domain host or DNS provider is, especially with resellers.
Expert tips
If your domain is with a reseller, request their upstream DNS provider's contact information or ask them to implement the record for you.
Use online WHOIS lookup tools to identify your domain's registered nameservers, which can point you to your DNS host.
Consider transferring your domain to a registrar that offers a user-friendly DNS management interface if current access is problematic.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks says: It can be confusing, as your domain registrar, DNS host, and web host can be the same company or entirely different entities. There isn't a single right or wrong answer, but determining who controls your nameservers is the first step.
September 17, 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks says: Whoever you bought the domain from will usually have a control panel or system where you need to update the DMARC record. For example, if you bought a bundled package with a domain and Microsoft 365 from GoDaddy, then GoDaddy would be in control of the DNS.
September 18, 2024 - Email Geeks
Final thoughts on DMARC access
In conclusion, when it comes to updating DMARC records, direct access to your domain host or DNS provider's control panel is almost always a necessity. These records are fundamental to email authentication and live at the DNS level, separate from your web hosting or email service's administrative interfaces.
While situations involving resellers or misplaced credentials can complicate matters, identifying your true DNS host and working with them is the clear path forward. Once you gain the necessary access, implementing DMARC, even with an initial p=none policy, will significantly enhance your domain's email security and deliverability. This proactive step helps protect your brand reputation and ensures your messages reach their intended recipients without being flagged as spam or falling prey to nefarious actors.
Microsoft 365 offer administrative panels for email management, but these typically do not grant access to the underlying DNS records that govern your entire domain. You would need to make these changes with your domain host, where your domain's DNS is managed.
GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains. From there, you navigate to your domain's DNS management section where you can directly add, edit, or delete TXT, MX, A, CNAME, and other records. This is the ideal situation for DMARC setup, as it gives you full control over your domain's authentication policies.
WordPress admin) or an email service admin panel (like Microsoft 365 or 
Google Workspace). While these platforms manage aspects of your online presence, they typically do not provide the necessary interface to modify raw DNS records. Your DNS might be managed by a third-party reseller or a different provider entirely, requiring you to contact them for any DNS changes. Many email service providers instruct you to update DNS with your host.
