DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM): A Step-by-Step Guide to Configuration

DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) is an email authentication method designed to detect forged emails and prevent these messages from being marked as spam. Configuring DKIM for your domain enhances your email reputation and increases the likelihood of your emails reaching your recipients’ inboxes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set it up.

Step 1: Access Your DNS Management Panel

First, you need to access your domain’s DNS management panel. This can be through your web hosting provider or an independent DNS service.

Step 2: Generate the DKIM Key

The next step is to generate a DKIM key. Many email providers offer tools to generate this key. Here are some examples of how to do it with some of the most popular email providers:

Google Workspace (formerly G Suite):

  1. Access the Google Workspace Admin console.
  2. Go to the Security > Advanced settings section.
  3. In the DKIM Settings section, select your domain.
  4. Click on “Generate new key” and follow the instructions to generate the key.

Microsoft 365:

  1. Access the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
  2. Go to Admin Centers > Exchange.
  3. Under Protection > DKIM, select the domain and generate the DKIM key.

Other Email Providers:

  1. Check your provider’s documentation to find the DKIM generation tools.
  2. Follow the specific instructions to generate the key.

Step 3: Add the DKIM Record to Your DNS

Once you’ve generated the DKIM key, you’ll receive two essential elements: the selector and the public key. You need to add a TXT record to your DNS configuration with this information.

  1. Log in to your DNS management panel.
  2. Add a new TXT record.
  3. Enter the selector name: This usually has the format selector._domainkey.yourdomain.com. The “selector” is a specific identifier that varies depending on your configuration and provider.
  4. Enter the TXT record value: This will be the public key provided by your email provider.

Example Configuration

Let’s say your selector is google and your domain is example.com. The TXT record you need to create would look something like this:

Record Name: google._[se quitó una URL no válida] Record Value: (Public key provided by your email provider)

Step 4: Verify the Configuration

After adding the DKIM record to your DNS, it’s important to verify that it has been configured correctly. Many online tools allow you to check DKIM records, such as:

Simply enter your selector and domain into these tools to verify that the DKIM record is configured correctly.

Step 5: Enable DKIM on Your Email Provider

Finally, you need to enable DKIM in your email provider’s settings. The specific steps vary depending on the provider, but you’ll generally find this option in the advanced security or email authentication settings.

Conclusion

Setting up DKIM is a crucial step in ensuring the authenticity and delivery of your emails. By following these steps, you can make sure your messages reach your recipients safely and efficiently. If you have any questions or encounter any issues during the setup process, don’t hesitate to contact your email provider’s support or DNS service for further assistance.