What causes a DMARC record to not propagate correctly on GoDaddy?

Summary

DMARC record propagation issues on GoDaddy can be attributed to a multitude of factors, including DNS propagation delays, record syntax errors, incorrect DNS record setup such as appending the domain, TTL values, DNSSEC misconfiguration, DNS caching, conflicting DNS records, incorrect nameserver settings, and GoDaddy-specific configuration nuances. Experts and marketers recommend carefully reviewing the DMARC record syntax, ensuring the correct record setup, using online tools to verify propagation, checking the domain's nameservers, and being mindful of DNS propagation times. Additionally, issues with DNSSEC configuration and DNS caching can cause delays, and there's a potential conflict between GoDaddy's DNS and other services like Cloudflare. GoDaddy itself provides a warning if you are putting your domain in incorrectly.

Key findings

  • Propagation Delay: DNS propagation takes time (4-48 hours), influenced by TTL and DNS server caching.
  • Syntax and Record Setup: Incorrect syntax (e.g., missing semicolons) and setup (e.g., domain appending) invalidate the DMARC record.
  • Conflicting Configurations: Conflicting DNS records and services like Cloudflare can hinder propagation.
  • Nameserver Issues: Incorrectly set nameservers prevent DNS changes from propagating.
  • TTL Impact: High TTL values increase propagation times; lowering TTL can speed it up.
  • DNSSEC Complications: DNSSEC misconfiguration can interfere with DMARC record propagation.
  • DNS Caching: DNS caching by resolvers and browsers can delay visibility of updated records.
  • GoDaddy Specifics: There is a specific way to add a TXT record with GoDaddy, and follow their method and check for warnings

Key considerations

  • Allow Propagation Time: Be patient and allow sufficient time (4-48 hours) for DNS changes to propagate.
  • Review Record Syntax: Carefully review the DMARC record syntax to avoid errors.
  • Verify Record Setup: Ensure the DMARC record is set up correctly, avoiding domain appending and other common mistakes.
  • Check Nameservers: Verify that the domain's nameservers are correctly pointing to GoDaddy.
  • Manage TTL Values: Consider lowering TTL values to reduce propagation times.
  • Utilize Online Tools: Use tools like MXToolbox and Whatsmydns to check propagation status and identify errors.
  • Flush DNS Cache: Flush your DNS cache to ensure you're seeing the latest records.
  • Review GoDaddy configuration: Confirm that you have followed all the GoDaddy set up instructions correctly.
  • Verify Value: After copying and pasting, ensure no characters have been missed or changed.

What email marketers say
12Marketer opinions

DMARC record propagation issues on GoDaddy can stem from several factors. These include DNS propagation delays (which can take 4-48 hours), incorrect DNS record syntax, conflicting records, misconfigured nameservers, high TTL values, DNSSEC issues, caching, and even simple typos. Utilizing online tools like MXToolbox and Whatsmydns can assist in identifying propagation problems and inconsistencies. Also, GoDaddy has added a warning when a user puts the domain itself into the record, and they default to the option to remove the duplicated domain in the popup. Sometimes there are competing DNS configurations, such as Cloudflare conflicting with GoDaddy's settings.

Key opinions

  • Propagation Delay: DNS propagation isn't instantaneous; it can take several hours for changes to reflect across the internet.
  • Syntax Errors: Typos and incorrect syntax in the DMARC record are common causes of propagation failure.
  • Conflicting Records: Multiple or conflicting DNS records can prevent proper DMARC propagation.
  • Nameserver Configuration: Incorrectly set nameservers that don't point to GoDaddy will prevent DNS changes from propagating.
  • TTL Values: High TTL values can cause delays; lowering the TTL before changes can speed up propagation.
  • DNSSEC Issues: Problems with DNSSEC configuration can interfere with DNS propagation.
  • Competing configurations: Cloudflare may conflict with GoDaddy DNS configurations.

Key considerations

  • Patience: Allow sufficient time for DNS propagation (at least 4-8 hours, sometimes up to 48 hours).
  • Accuracy: Double-check the DMARC record for typos, syntax errors, and compliance with the DMARC standard.
  • Tools: Use online tools like MXToolbox, Whatsmydns, and Google Admin Toolbox Dig to verify propagation and identify errors.
  • Exclusivity: Ensure there is only one DMARC TXT record and no conflicting records.
  • Nameserver Verification: Verify that the domain's nameservers are correctly pointing to GoDaddy.
  • TTL Management: Consider lowering the TTL value before making changes to speed up propagation.
  • DNSSEC Review: Review DNSSEC configuration or temporarily disable it for troubleshooting purposes.
  • Check For GoDaddy Warnings: GoDaddy has added a warning when a user puts the domain itself into the record, and they default to the option to remove the duplicated domain in the popup.
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackOverflow mentions that a high Time-To-Live (TTL) value can cause longer propagation times. Lowering the TTL before making changes can speed up propagation.

August 2022 - StackOverflow
Marketer view

Email marketer from DNSQueries Forum shares that if the domain's nameservers are not correctly set at the registrar, DNS changes won't propagate. Verify the nameservers are pointing to GoDaddy.

January 2022 - DNSQueries Forum
Marketer view

Email marketer from Whatsmydns explains that DNS records may propagate to some DNS servers, but not others. Use Whatsmydns.net to check the DMARC record's status across various global DNS servers to identify inconsistencies.

September 2024 - Whatsmydns.net
Marketer view

Email marketer from GoDaddy Help explains that DNS propagation can take anywhere from 4-8 hours, but in rare cases, can take up to 24-48 hours. This is due to the time it takes for DNS servers across the internet to update their records.

July 2024 - GoDaddy Help
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that GoDaddy has added a warning when a user puts the domain itself into the record, and they default to the option to remove the duplicated domain in the popup.

August 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Quora explains that when copying and pasting records, sometimes characters are missed or changed, so double check the value of the DMARC record against the source.

September 2021 - Quora
Marketer view

Email marketer from EasyDMARC explains that most of the time, DMARC records will propagate nearly instantly. If there is a delay, confirm there are no competing records.

November 2023 - EasyDMARC
Marketer view

Email marketer from ServerFault explains that issues with DNSSEC configuration can sometimes interfere with DNS propagation. Ensure DNSSEC is correctly configured or temporarily disable it for troubleshooting.

August 2024 - ServerFault
Marketer view

Email marketer from MXToolbox explains to use online tools like MXToolbox to check DNS propagation and identify any errors or inconsistencies in the DMARC record.

September 2021 - MXToolbox
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit explains that conflicting DNS records (e.g., multiple TXT records for DMARC) can cause issues. Ensure there is only one correct DMARC record.

July 2022 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Namecheap Support shares that common mistakes in DNS records, such as typos or incorrect syntax, can prevent propagation. They recommend double-checking the record for accuracy.

May 2023 - Namecheap
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks suggests checking the domain's NS records, mentioning a situation where the client was setting up the DNS at GoDaddy while having a Cloudflare DNS configured.

June 2023 - Email Geeks

What the experts say
4Expert opinions

DMARC record propagation issues on GoDaddy can be caused by various factors related to DNS configuration and record accuracy. Experts recommend ensuring the correct DMARC record setup, avoiding domain appending in the record, checking for typos in the host field, and understanding that DNS propagation times vary based on TTL settings and DNS server caching policies. Additionally, directly querying the DNS and confirming the sending domain and IPs are crucial steps to verify record updates.

Key opinions

  • Domain Appending: Incorrectly appending the domain to the DMARC record (e.g., _dmarc.domain.com.domain.com) prevents proper propagation.
  • Typographical Errors: Typos in the host field of the DMARC record can cause it to be misconfigured.
  • Propagation Variability: DNS propagation times depend on TTL settings and DNS server caching, making propagation times variable.
  • Direct DNS Query: Directly querying the DNS is recommended to confirm record updates.

Key considerations

  • Record Setup: Ensure the DMARC record is correctly set up and adheres to the appropriate syntax.
  • Typo Prevention: Thoroughly check for typos, especially in the host field of the DMARC record.
  • Time Allowance: Be aware that DNS propagation takes time, influenced by TTL settings and DNS server caching.
  • DNS Verification: Query the DNS directly to confirm that the records have been successfully updated.
  • Client information: Confirm the sending domain, and IPs, if a subdomain is required.
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks explains the problem was caused by a typo where the user entered their domain in the host field, resulting in the TXT record being at _dmarc.domain.com.domain.com.

October 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks advises to check that the user only setup _dmarc and didn't append the domain, which would result in a TXT record at _dmarc.domain.com.domain.com.

February 2025 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource explains that DNS propagation times are variable and depend on the TTL settings and the caching policies of various DNS servers. Lower TTLs generally propagate faster, but widespread propagation still takes time.

June 2021 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise recommends that to confirm that the records have been updated, users can query the DNS directly. The user should also ask the client what their sending domain is, if a subdomain is required, and what the sending IP's are.

July 2021 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says
4Technical articles

DMARC record propagation issues on GoDaddy can arise due to DNS caching, incorrect record syntax, and improper record addition. DNS caching by resolvers and browsers may delay the visibility of updated records, and flushing the DNS cache can help. Incorrect DMARC syntax, such as missing semicolons or invalid tags, can invalidate the record, necessitating careful review against the DMARC standard. Utilizing tools like Google Admin Toolbox Dig assists in checking the record's visibility and configuration, while adhering to GoDaddy's specific instructions for adding TXT records is essential.

Key findings

  • DNS Caching: DNS caching by resolvers and browsers can delay the visibility of updated DMARC records.
  • Syntax Errors: Incorrect DMARC syntax invalidates the record and prevents proper propagation.
  • Incorrect TXT Record Addition: Not following the specific instructions can prevent propogation
  • Visibility Check Tools: Tools like Google Admin Toolbox Dig can help verify the record's visibility and configuration.

Key considerations

  • Cache Flushing: Flush the DNS cache to ensure the most recent DMARC record is being retrieved.
  • Syntax Validation: Thoroughly review the DMARC record syntax against the DMARC standard.
  • Adhere to instructions: Follow the specific instructions from GoDaddy on adding TXT records.
  • Tool Utilization: Use DNS lookup tools to confirm the record's visibility and configuration.
Technical article

Documentation from GoDaddy Support explains that there is a specific way to add a TXT record, and this must be followed. It is possible the record was added incorrectly.

July 2023 - GoDaddy
Technical article

Documentation from DMARC.org details that incorrect DMARC syntax (e.g., missing semicolons, invalid tags) can invalidate the record. Carefully review the syntax against the DMARC standard.

May 2022 - DMARC.org
Technical article

Documentation from RFC Editor explains that DNS caching by resolvers and browsers can cause delays in seeing updated records. Flushing the DNS cache can help resolve this issue.

October 2024 - RFC Editor
Technical article

Documentation from Google Admin Toolbox explains to use tools like Google Admin Toolbox Dig to check if the DMARC record is visible and correctly configured. This can help identify propagation issues.

December 2024 - Google Admin Toolbox