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DKIM Test

How to Set Up DKIM in cPanel

Step-by-step guide to enable and configure DKIM in cPanel. Learn how to use cPanel's built-in DKIM feature and add custom DKIM records.

Last updated: 2026-01-28

cPanel is one of the most popular web hosting control panels. It includes built-in DKIM support that can be enabled with a few clicks, as well as DNS management for adding custom DKIM records for third-party email services.

cPanel's Built-in DKIM

cPanel can automatically generate and configure DKIM for email sent through your hosting account's mail server. This is ideal if you host your email on the same server as your website.

cPanel's Email Deliverability feature (or Email Authentication in older versions) handles DKIM automatically for locally-hosted email. For third-party email services, you'll add records manually in Zone Editor.

Before You Start

You'll need:

  • Access to your cPanel account
  • Your domain pointed to the hosting server
  • For third-party services: DKIM record details from your email provider

Enable cPanel's Built-in DKIM

1

Access Email Deliverability

Log into cPanel. Find Email Deliverability under the Email section.

In older cPanel versions, look for Email Authentication or Authentication.

2

Select your domain

Choose the domain you want to configure DKIM for.

cPanel will show the current status of SPF and DKIM.

3

Manage or Repair DKIM

If DKIM shows issues, click Manage or Repair.

cPanel will generate a DKIM key and create the necessary DNS record automatically.

4

Verify the status

The status should change to show DKIM is configured. cPanel displays a green checkmark when everything is correct.

Adding Custom DKIM Records

For third-party email services (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, etc.), add records manually.

1

Access Zone Editor

In cPanel, find Zone Editor under the Domains section.

2

Select your domain

Click Manage next to the domain you want to edit.

3

Add a TXT record

Click + Add Record → Add TXT Record.

  • Name: Enter the selector and _domainkey.yourdomain.com. (e.g., google._domainkey.example.com.)
  • Record: Paste the DKIM value from your email service

Click Save Record.

4

Or add a CNAME record

For services using CNAME records:

Click + Add Record → Add CNAME Record.

  • Name: Enter the selector and _domainkey.yourdomain.com.
  • Record: The target your email service provided

Click Save Record.

Verify Your Setup

After enabling DKIM, verify it's working.

For cPanel's built-in DKIM, the selector is usually default (check your Email Deliverability page for the exact selector).

cPanel DKIM Selectors

cPanel typically uses:

  • default - Most common for cPanel-generated DKIM
  • The selector may vary by hosting provider

Check the Email Deliverability page to see the exact selector being used.

Common Issues and Solutions

"DKIM record not found" in Email Deliverability

Cause: DNS hasn't propagated or there's a configuration issue.

Solutions:

  • Click Repair to let cPanel fix it
  • Wait a few minutes for DNS propagation
  • Verify your domain's nameservers point to the hosting server

"Unable to install record"

Cause: DNS zone issue or permissions problem.

Solutions:

  • Contact your hosting provider
  • The DNS zone may be managed externally
  • Check if you have permission to modify DNS

Key length issues

Cause: Some hosting setups have default key length limitations.

Solutions:

  • cPanel typically uses 1024-bit or 2048-bit keys
  • If you need a specific key length, contact your host
  • For third-party services, ensure you copy the full key

Multiple email services

If you use both cPanel email AND a third-party service (like Mailchimp), you need DKIM records for both. They use different selectors, so they don't conflict.

cPanel with External DNS

If your domain uses external DNS (like Cloudflare), cPanel cannot automatically add DKIM records. You'll need to:

  1. Copy the DKIM record from cPanel's Email Deliverability page
  2. Add the record manually at your external DNS provider

WHM (WebHost Manager) DKIM

For server administrators using WHM:

  1. Go to Server Configuration → Exim Configuration Manager
  2. Enable DKIM signing under the appropriate section
  3. Individual domains can then enable DKIM through their cPanel

Complete Your Email Authentication

After DKIM is configured:

SPF: cPanel can also configure SPF automatically in Email Deliverability. Check at spfrecordcheck.com.

DMARC: Add a TXT record at _dmarc.yourdomain.com with your policy. Check at dmarcrecordchecker.com.

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