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

9 Marketer opinions 4 Expert opinions 4 Technical articles 1 Resource

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
9Marketer 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).

December 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

June 2022 - MXToolbox

Marketer view

Email marketer from WebHostingTalk highlights to check the TTL (Time To Live) setting for the DKIM record. A very high TTL can cause the DNS record to be cached for a longer period, delaying propagation. A lower TTL (e.g., 300 seconds) can help with faster updates.

April 2024 - WebHostingTalk

Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit explains that a common mistake is adding the domain name twice in the record name. If your DNS panel automatically appends your domain name, you only need to enter the part before the domain (e.g., `default._domainkey` instead of `default._domainkey.yourdomain.com`).

October 2022 - Reddit

Marketer view

Email marketer from SendGrid explains that using a 2048 bit DKIM key can increase security compared to older 1024 bit keys. Generate a DKIM record based on at least a 2048 bit length.

September 2023 - SendGrid

Marketer view

Email marketer from EasyDMARC notes to ensure the DKIM TXT record has the correct syntax, starting with `v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=[public key];`. A missing or incorrect `v=DKIM1` tag will cause validation to fail.

May 2024 - EasyDMARC

Marketer view

Email marketer from SparkPost explains to check for common DKIM errors like incorrect TXT record name, typos in the DKIM value, or DNS propagation delays. Double-check the hostname and value provided by the email service against what's entered in the DNS records.

September 2022 - SparkPost

Marketer view

Email marketer from Stack Overflow explains that sometimes the DKIM record needs to be split into multiple TXT records if the public key is too long for a single record. Most DNS providers have a length limit for TXT records.

April 2021 - Stack Overflow

Marketer view

Email marketer from Namecheap shares that online tools such as WhatsMyDNS.net, or similar DNS lookup services can be used to verify if the DNS records for DKIM (TXT records) have propagated correctly.

March 2022 - Namecheap

What the experts say
4Expert 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.

March 2021 - 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.

September 2021 - Spam Resource

Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks suggests checking the DNS records using `dig` to diagnose the issue. They also suggest that DNS propagation can take time, and resolvers might cache old answers, so waiting an hour and then re-checking can resolve the issue.

December 2022 - Email Geeks

Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that while authentication records like DKIM, SPF and DMARC are not the silver bullet to deliverability, that you can be assured that without them you wont achieve inboxing. They explain that you are likely to be missing out on inbox placement if you're not authenticating mail.

August 2021 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says
4Technical 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.

March 2023 - 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.

April 2021 - A2 Hosting

Technical article

Documentation from A2 Hosting explains how to enable DKIM in cPanel by logging into cPanel, finding the 'Email Deliverability' option, and clicking 'Issue' next to the domain, which automatically configures DKIM. It mentions DNS propagation can take up to 24 hours.

November 2021 - A2 Hosting

Technical article

Documentation from RFC 6376 describes technical details on the DKIM specification. This is the official standard and can be referenced when needing specifics of the standard but is complicated to interoperate.

May 2022 - RFC Editor