To stop your domain's emails from going to spam, you must configure three DNS records: SPF (who can send), DKIM (tamper-proofing), and DMARC (policy enforcement). In 2026, major inbox providers require all three for business domains. Add these as TXT records in your domain's DNS manager.
What Are SPF, DKIM, and DMARC?
SPF (Sender Policy Framework): A TXT record listing servers authorized to send email for your domain.
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): A cryptographic signature proving messages weren't altered in transit. Verified via public key in your DNS.
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance): A policy telling receivers what to do when SPF or DKIM fails.
Together, they prove your emails are legitimate and untampered.
Why It Matters in 2026
Google and Yahoo now require SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for domains sending bulk email. Without them, your messages land in spam or get rejected outright.
Even for small senders, missing authentication triggers spam filters. Your professional domain looks untrustworthy.
Business email services depend on proper authentication. Skip these records, and your invoices, proposals, and customer communications disappear into spam folders. Implementation Steps
Step 1: Access DNS Manager Navigate to Domain Manager, click the blue globe icon 🌎 next to your domain to open DNS Manager.
Step 2: Add SPF Record Create a TXT record with your domain as the host. Value example: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all. Be sure to replace with your email provider's SPF include statement.
Warning: SPF has a 10 DNS lookup limit. Exceeding it breaks authentication entirely. Consolidate includes and avoid unnecessary entries.
Step 3: Add DKIM Record Your email provider generates DKIM keys. Create a TXT record using the selector they provide (e.g., google._domainkey) with the public key value.
Step 4: Add DMARC Record Create a TXT record with host _dmarc and value: v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected] Start with p=none to monitor without affecting delivery.
DMARC Policy: None vs Quarantine vs Reject
| | |
| Monitor only, no enforcement | Initial setup, gather reports first |
| | After confirming legitimate mail passes |
| | Full enforcement after testing |
Recommended progression: Start with p=none for 2-4 weeks, review reports, then escalate to quarantine, then reject.
Common Mistakes
Multiple SPF Records: You can only have ONE SPF record per domain. Multiple records cause authentication failures. Merge all includes into a single record.
Exceeding 10 DNS Lookups: Each include: and redirect: counts as a lookup. Too many, and SPF fails silently. Use SPF flattening tools if needed.
Skipping DKIM: SPF alone isn't enough. Modern filters expect both.
Starting with DMARC Reject: Going straight to p=reject blocks legitimate mail you forgot to authenticate.
Wrong DKIM Selector: Must match exactly what your provider specifies.
What This Means for You
NameSilo's DNS Manager supports all email authentication records without restrictions. Navigate to Domain Manager, click the blue globe icon 🌎, and add TXT records for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
Pair authentication with NameSilo email for a complete deliverability setup, or point records to any third-party provider. Either way, your emails reach inboxes, not spam folders. Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don't set up DMARC?
Emails may land in spam. Google and Yahoo require DMARC for bulk senders.
Can I have two SPF records?
No. Multiple SPF records break authentication. Merge into one record.
How long do DNS email records take to propagate?
Typically 1-4 hours, up to 48 hours in some cases.
How do I test my DKIM signature?
Send to a DKIM validator or check message headers for "DKIM=pass."
What is a DMARC aggregate report?
Daily XML report showing authentication results for your domain's emails.
Do I need these for Google Workspace?
Yes. Google provides specific values in their admin console.
How do I fix a DMARC fail?
Verify SPF and DKIM are correct and sending services are included.
Does email authentication stop spoofing?
Only if you enforce DMARC with p=reject.
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