When setting up email for your domain, many users think about how to add TXT SPF DKIM DMARC records for domain and whether they’re necessary. These DNS records are a key part of email authentication and help protect your domain’s sender reputation while improving email deliverability.
If they’re missing or not configured correctly, your emails may end up in spam folders or be rejected entirely. In this knowledgebase article, we’ll explain what TXT, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are, why they matter, and how to add them correctly using bodHOST-supported DNS managers.
This guide will help users understand with exact steps and proven best practices used by hosting professionalsacross the globe.
Quick Answer
To add TXT SPF DKIM DMARC records for your domain, log in to your DNS manager and create TXT records using the values provided by your email service. Save the changes and allow time for DNS propagation. Once configured correctly, these records help prevent email spoofing and significantly improve email deliverability.
What Are TXT Records in DNS?
A TXT record is a DNS record type used to store text-based information linked to a domain. While TXT records can serve different purposes, they are mostly used for email authentication and domain verification.
- Email authentication records such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC
- Verifying domain ownership for services and applications
- Publishing security or policy-related information
When you add SPF, DKIM, or DMARC for email, they are all added as TXT records within your domain’s DNS zone.
Why SPF, DKIM and DMARC Are Important
Email authentication standards work together to protect your domain from spoofing, phishing, and unauthorized email usage.
- SPF confirms which mail servers are allowed to send emails on behalf of your domain.
- DKIM applies a cryptographic signature to ensure the integrity of the message.
- MARC tells receiving servers how to handle emails that fail SPF or DKIM checks
When you set up these records correctly, email providers like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo are more likely to trust your messages and deliver them to inboxes instead of spam folders.
What Is an SPF Record?
SPF or Sender Policy Framework defines which mail servers are authorized to send emails using your domain name. It helps receiving servers verify the source of an email.
Example SPF Record
v=spf1 include:_spf.examplemail.com ~all
What Is a DKIM Record?
DKIM, or DomainKeys Identified Mail, is an email authentication protocol that adds a digital signature to outgoing emails. This signature lets the receiving mail server verify that the message content remains unchanged during transit.
Your email service publishes the DKIM public key in your DNS as a TXT record, and your mail server uses the private key to sign outgoing messages.
What Is a DMARC Record?
DMARC or Domain-based Message Authentication Reporting and Conformance builds on SPF and DKIM. It tells receiving mail servers what to do if authentication fails.
Sample DMARC Record
v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected]
DMARC Policy Options
- Monitor emails without blocking or changing anything.
- Move failed or suspicious emails to the spam folder
- Block emails that are not properly authenticated
In addition, DMARC enables reporting, which allows you to monitor email activity on your domain.
How to Add TXT SPF DKIM DMARC Records in DNS
You can add these records from the DNS manager that hosts your domain. At bodHOST, you can do this through cPanel or the domain control panel.
Step 1: Log in to Your DNS Manager
- Log in to your client area
- Open Domain DNS Management
- Navigate to Zone Editor or DNS Records
Step 2: Add a TXT Record
- Click Add Record and select TXT Enter the Host or Name value
- Paste the record value provided by your email service
- Set TTL to Auto or 300 seconds
- Save the record
Repeat this process for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC as required.
Example DNS Record Values
| Record Type | Host Name | Value |
| SPF | @ | v=spf1 include:mail.example.com ~all |
| DKIM | selector1._domainkey | v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=publickey |
| DMARC | _dmarc | v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected] |
Conclusion
Adding TXT SPF DKIM DMARC records for your domain is essential if you want consistent email delivery and domain-level protection. These records work together to authenticate your emails, reduce spam complaints, and build trust with receiving mail servers. Once you configure and verify these records, they form the foundation of a secure and reliable email setup.
If you are unsure about the record values or still face email delivery issues after setup, the bodHOST support team can review your DNS configuration and align it with email provider best practices.