Adding a DKIM record in GoDaddy helps authenticate emails sent from your domain. The process starts with obtaining the DKIM details from your email provider and publishing them in your domain's DNS settings. Depending on your email service, you may need a TXT record or a CNAME record.
In this article, you'll learn how to add the correct DKIM record in GoDaddy, avoid common DNS mistakes, and check whether your configuration is working.
What Do You Need Before Adding DKIM?
Before accessing GoDaddy, obtain your DKIM configuration from your email provider. It normally includes:
- Record type: TXT or CNAME.
- Host or Name: The selector-based DNS hostname.
- Value or Target: Your public key or the destination supplied by the provider.
For example, a TXT-based DKIM hostname may look like:
default._domainkey
The selector and public key are generated by your email platform. GoDaddy is where you publish the DNS record, not necessarily where you generate the DKIM key.
How to Add a DKIM Record in GoDaddy
Follow these steps to publish your DKIM record:
Step 1: Log in to GoDaddy
Visit GoDaddy and sign in to your account. Open Domain Portfolio and select the domain you want to authenticate.
Step 2: Open DNS Management
Select DNS under your domain name. This opens the DNS records currently configured for your domain.
Step 3: Add a New Record
Click Add New Record and select the record type provided by your email service.
For a TXT-based configuration, enter:
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Type | TXT |
| Name | default._domainkey |
| Value | Your generated DKIM public key |
| TTL | Default |
For a CNAME-based configuration, select CNAME and enter the exact hostname and destination supplied by your email provider.
Step 4: Save the DNS Record
Review the hostname and value carefully, then save the record. If your provider supplied multiple DKIM records, add each one separately using its corresponding name and value.
Important: Do not copy example keys from websites. Your email provider's generated DKIM details must be used.
Which DKIM Record Type Should You Add?
The required record type depends on your email platform:
- cPanel hosting: Usually provides a DKIM TXT record through Email Deliverability.
- Microsoft 365: Uses provider-generated DKIM CNAME records.
- GoDaddy Professional Email powered by Titan: Provides two DKIM CNAME records.
Always follow the instructions for your actual email service rather than choosing TXT or CNAME yourself. <Cite refs={["turn569544search4","turn569544search3"]}/>
How to Verify Your GoDaddy DKIM Record
After saving the DNS entry, allow time for DNS updates to become visible. GoDaddy says changes commonly take effect within an hour but may take up to 48 hours globally. <Cite refs={["turn569544search1"]}/>
You can verify your configuration in two ways:
- Use a DNS lookup tool to check whether your selector hostname returns the expected TXT record or CNAME destination.
- Send a test email and inspect its original headers for
dkim=pass.
The LeadNurturix DKIM Checker can help inspect your published DKIM configuration.
Common Mistakes When Adding DKIM in GoDaddy
- Wrong hostname: The selector must match the one used by your email provider.
- Incorrect record type: A required CNAME cannot simply be replaced with a TXT record.
- Incomplete public key: Missing characters can prevent DKIM verification.
- Wrong DNS provider: If your domain uses Cloudflare nameservers, update DNS in Cloudflare rather than GoDaddy.
- Duplicate selector records: Avoid publishing conflicting DKIM TXT records under the same selector hostname.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add multiple DKIM records in GoDaddy?
Yes. You can publish multiple DKIM records when they use different selectors or hostnames. Each record must contain the correct key or destination.
Does GoDaddy generate DKIM records?
Not for every email service. Your email provider generally generates the DKIM configuration, which you then publish in GoDaddy DNS.
How long does DKIM take to activate?
DNS updates commonly become visible within an hour, but global propagation can take up to 48 hours.
Conclusion
Adding a DKIM record in GoDaddy requires the correct DNS hostname, record type, and value from your email provider. Save the configuration, allow DNS propagation, and test an outgoing email to confirm that DKIM authentication passes.
For stronger email authentication, also review your SPF and DMARC configuration.
