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How to Add DKIM Records in IONOS (1&1)

Step-by-step guide to add DKIM records in IONOS DNS. Learn how to configure DKIM TXT and CNAME records for your email services.

Last updated: 2026-01-28

IONOS (formerly 1&1) is a major hosting provider and domain registrar. This guide shows you how to add DKIM records in IONOS DNS for email services like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and email marketing platforms.

IONOS is your DNS provider—it hosts your DNS records. Your DKIM keys come from your email service. IONOS doesn't generate DKIM keys; it publishes the records so mail servers can find them.

Before You Start

You'll need:

  • Access to your IONOS account
  • Your domain using IONOS DNS
  • The DKIM record details from your email service

Get your DKIM information from your email provider before starting.

Adding a DKIM TXT Record

Most email services use TXT records for DKIM.

1

Access IONOS DNS settings

Log into your IONOS account. Go to Domains & SSL → select your domain → DNS.

2

Add a DNS record

Click Add Record or the + icon.

3

Configure the TXT record

  • Type: Select TXT
  • Host name: Enter the selector and _domainkey. For example:
    • Google Workspace: google._domainkey
    • Zoho: zmail._domainkey
  • Value: Paste the full DKIM value from your email service (starts with v=DKIM1)
4

Save the record

Click Save.

Adding a DKIM CNAME Record

Some services like Microsoft 365 and Mailchimp use CNAME records.

1

Add a DNS record

In IONOS DNS, click Add Record.

2

Configure the CNAME record

  • Type: Select CNAME
  • Host name: Enter the selector and _domainkey. For example:
    • Microsoft 365: selector1._domainkey
    • Mailchimp: k1._domainkey
  • Points to: Enter the target your email service provided
3

Save the record

Click Save.

Verify Your Setup

After adding records, verify they're publicly accessible.

IONOS DNS changes typically propagate within 15-60 minutes.

Common Email Services

Google Workspace

  • Type: TXT
  • Host name: google._domainkey
  • Value: From Google Admin Console (starts with v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=...)

Microsoft 365

Add two CNAME records:

Record 1:

  • Type: CNAME
  • Host name: selector1._domainkey
  • Points to: selector1-yourdomain-com._domainkey.yourtenant.onmicrosoft.com

Record 2:

  • Type: CNAME
  • Host name: selector2._domainkey
  • Points to: selector2-yourdomain-com._domainkey.yourtenant.onmicrosoft.com

Mailchimp

  • Type: CNAME
  • Host name: k1._domainkey
  • Points to: dkim.mcsv.net

IONOS Email

If you use IONOS email hosting, DKIM may be configured automatically. Check your email settings in IONOS or contact support to verify DKIM is enabled.

Common Issues and Solutions

"Record not found" error

Cause: DNS hasn't propagated or the record is misconfigured.

Solutions:

  • Wait 15-60 minutes and check again
  • Verify the Host name field is correct (IONOS may auto-append your domain)
  • Check for typos in _domainkey

2048-bit key issues

IONOS supports long TXT records, but if you encounter issues:

  • Verify the entire key was copied without truncation
  • Ensure no line breaks were introduced
  • Try a 1024-bit key if available from your provider

CNAME record conflicts

Cause: An existing record at the same hostname.

Solutions:

  • Check for duplicate records
  • CNAME records cannot coexist with other record types at the same hostname
  • Remove any conflicting records before adding the CNAME

When adding the Host name field in IONOS, don't include your full domain. Enter google._domainkey not google._domainkey.example.com. IONOS adds the domain automatically.

IONOS Mail and DKIM

If you use IONOS's mail hosting services:

  1. Check your email package settings for DKIM options
  2. Some IONOS email plans include automatic DKIM signing
  3. Contact IONOS support if you need to enable DKIM for their hosted email

For third-party email services, add records manually as shown above.

Complete Your Email Authentication

After adding DKIM, configure SPF and DMARC:

SPF: Add a TXT record at your root domain (@) with your email providers. Check at spfrecordcheck.com.

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

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