How do I set up DKIM with A2 Hosting and troubleshoot validation issues?

Key findings

• TXT record configuration: A2 Hosting, like many providers using cPanel, typically simplifies DNS entry. Users should generally enter just the domain name (e.g., socialtypro.com) for the TXT record, as the hosting interface often appends the necessary trailing dot automatically.
• DNS propagation delays: Even when DNS records are correctly entered, it can take time (often up to an hour or more) for changes to propagate globally due to DNS caching. Validation tools and ESPs may not immediately reflect the updated records. You can learn more about verifying your setup in our article on how to verify DMARC, DKIM, and SPF setup.
• ESP validation quirks: Email service providers like iContact may have their own internal caching or require a manual refresh to re-check DNS records. A successful dig query from an external server confirms the record is public, even if the ESP isn't seeing it yet. For comprehensive troubleshooting, review the DKIM troubleshooting steps provided by Ezekia.
• Domain and DNS location: When a domain is purchased from one registrar (e.g., Name.com) but DNS and hosting are managed elsewhere (e.g., A2 Hosting), it's crucial to ensure the DKIM record is added where the domain's authoritative DNS is managed. This is typically within the A2 Hosting cPanel or equivalent DNS editor. If you are having issues with your cPanel DKIM record failing validation, you can find more information in our guide, why is my cPanel DKIM record failing validation?.

Key considerations

• Verify DNS management: Always confirm where your domain's nameservers are pointing to determine the correct location for adding DNS records (like DKIM TXT records). If Name.com nameservers are active, records should be added there, even if hosting is with A2. If A2 Hosting nameservers are active, then A2 is the place.
• Patience with propagation: DNS changes are not instantaneous. Depending on TTL (Time To Live) settings, it can take minutes to several hours for updates to be visible worldwide. Utilize public DNS lookup tools to check the record directly from different resolvers.
• Check DKIM selector: Ensure the DKIM selector specified in your ESP's instructions matches the one used in the DNS record name (e.g., default._domainkey). Misspellings or mismatches will lead to validation failure. You can find DKIM selector name examples in our guide.
• Correct TXT record value: The long string provided by your ESP (the public key) must be entered exactly as given, without extra spaces or line breaks, and often enclosed in double quotes. Some systems might split very long TXT records into multiple strings, which is acceptable in DNS.
• Seek host support: If problems persist, A2 Hosting support can confirm correct entry methods for their specific DNS interface and verify server-side record visibility. Information on managing deliverability settings in cPanel is also available via hosting.com.

Key opinions

• DNS entry confusion: Marketers frequently express confusion regarding the exact format for adding DKIM TXT records in various hosting control panels, particularly concerning whether to include the full domain or if the system appends it automatically.
• Propagation anxiety: A common point of frustration is the delay in DNS record propagation, leading marketers to repeatedly check validation tools and question their setup even when it is correct.
• ESP validation issues: Many marketers report that their ESPs' validation tools are not always real-time, sometimes requiring a manual refresh or an extended waiting period even after external DNS checks show the record is live.
• Cross-platform complexity: The integration of a domain from one provider (Name.com), hosting from another (A2 Hosting), and email services from a third (Google/iContact) adds layers of complexity to DNS management that marketers often struggle with.

Key considerations

• Understand DNS authority: Marketers should first identify where their domain's nameservers are configured (e.g., Name.com or A2 Hosting) to know the authoritative location for DNS record changes. Our guide on how to set up and troubleshoot SPF, DKIM, and DMARC provides further insights.
• Use DNS lookup tools: Rely on independent DNS lookup tools (like dig or online checkers) to confirm DKIM records are published before troubleshooting ESP validation failures. This helps distinguish between a DNS setup issue and an ESP-side problem.
• Patience is key: After making DNS changes, allow at least an hour for propagation before concluding that a DKIM record is not validating. Many issues resolve themselves with time.
• Contact hosting or ESP support: If a DKIM record consistently fails to validate after sufficient propagation time, reach out to A2 Hosting or iContact support for specific guidance. Their teams can provide insights into their system's requirements or known issues, and review resources like Email Marketing Self Help for iContact setup.

Key opinions

• DNS trailing dot: Experts confirm that the trailing dot at the end of a fully qualified domain name (FQDN) is standard in DNS protocol. While often hidden in user interfaces, its presence can impact how some systems interpret DNS records.
• Propagation is key: A primary cause of perceived DKIM validation issues is insufficient time for DNS records to propagate. Even if a record is correctly entered, it must be replicated across DNS servers globally before validation tools can consistently see it. This process can take minutes to hours. Our article on how to troubleshoot DKIM failures provides further guidance.
• External verification recommended: Using tools like dig or online DNS checkers to query the specific nameservers (e.g., A2 Hosting's) provides an accurate, real-time view of the DNS record, bypassing any local cache or ESP interface issues.
• ESP-side refresh: Sometimes, the email service provider's validation system itself might cache old results. A simple refresh of the validation page within the ESP's interface might be necessary once propagation is confirmed externally.

Key considerations

• Identify authoritative DNS: Before adding any DNS record, confirm which provider is hosting the authoritative DNS for your domain. This ensures records are added in the correct place for global visibility.
• Monitor propagation: Use reliable DNS lookup tools to actively monitor the propagation of your DKIM record. This helps to confirm that the record is indeed live and accessible across the internet, indicating that further issues might lie with the ESP's validation process. You can also refer to our simple guide to DMARC, SPF, and DKIM.
• Exact record matching: Ensure the DKIM record, especially the public key, is copied exactly from the ESP's instructions. Any deviation, including extra spaces or incorrect characters, can lead to validation failures like a DKIM body hash mismatch.
• Consult hosting support: When issues persist, leverage the support provided by your hosting provider (A2 Hosting) and your email service provider (iContact or Google). They can often provide specific guidance related to their system's nuances or assist with direct troubleshooting.

Key findings

• cPanel integration: A2 Hosting, like many providers, often utilizes cPanel for DNS management, which includes sections for adding TXT records. Documentation typically instructs users to navigate to the Zone Editor to create or modify DNS entries for email authentication.
• Record name format: Documentation for shared hosting environments typically specifies that for the record name (or hostname), users should only enter the subdomain part (e.g., default._domainkey), as the main domain is appended automatically. This is a common source of confusion, addressed by official guides.
• Key value accuracy: Instructions consistently highlight the necessity of copying the entire DKIM public key exactly as provided by the ESP. Any truncation, extra spaces, or altered characters will lead to validation failure. For example, the A2 Hosting knowledge base outlines how to set up DKIM.
• Propagation time frames: Many documentation pages include warnings about DNS propagation, suggesting waiting periods of up to 24-48 hours, though often it's quicker. This patience is crucial for successful validation. Ezekia's troubleshooting steps also mention this delay for DKIM troubleshooting steps.

Key considerations

• Verify DNS control: Documentation consistently advises ensuring that the domain's nameservers are pointing to the hosting provider (A2 Hosting in this case) before attempting to add DKIM records through their control panel.
• TTL settings: While not always explicitly stated for DKIM, general DNS documentation often explains that TTL values dictate how long DNS resolvers cache records, impacting propagation time. Shorter TTLs can speed up updates but increase DNS query load.
• Specific ESP instructions: Although general hosting documentation covers DKIM, it's vital to cross-reference with your specific ESP's (e.g., iContact's) DKIM setup guide, as selectors and key lengths can vary.
• Troubleshooting resources: Many documentation portals provide troubleshooting sections, often advising the use of external DNS lookup tools to verify public record visibility before contacting support. This is also covered by our guide on how to fix DKIM record published no DKIM record found errors.