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How to Add DKIM Records in Namecheap

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

Last updated: 2026-01-28

Namecheap is a popular domain registrar and DNS hosting provider. This guide shows you how to add DKIM records in Namecheap's DNS management for email services like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and third-party email providers.

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

Before You Start

You'll need:

  • Access to your Namecheap account
  • Your domain using Namecheap DNS (BasicDNS, PremiumDNS, or FreeDNS)
  • 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 Namecheap DNS

Log into Namecheap. Go to Domain List → select your domain → Manage → Advanced DNS.

2

Add a new record

Scroll to Host Records and click Add New Record.

3

Configure the TXT record

  • Type: Select TXT Record
  • Host: 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)
  • TTL: Automatic or 1800
4

Save the record

Click the green checkmark to save.

Adding a DKIM CNAME Record

Some services like Microsoft 365, Mailchimp, and SendGrid use CNAME records.

1

Add a new record

In Namecheap Advanced DNS, click Add New Record.

2

Configure the CNAME record

  • Type: Select CNAME Record
  • Host: Enter the selector and _domainkey. For example:
    • Microsoft 365: selector1._domainkey
    • Mailchimp: k1._domainkey
  • Target: Enter the value your email service provided
  • TTL: Automatic or 1800
3

Save the record

Click the green checkmark to save.

Verify Your Setup

After adding records, verify they're publicly accessible.

Namecheap DNS changes typically propagate within 30 minutes.

Common Email Services

Google Workspace

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

Microsoft 365

Add two CNAME records:

Record 1:

  • Type: CNAME Record
  • Host: selector1._domainkey
  • Target: selector1-yourdomain-com._domainkey.yourtenant.onmicrosoft.com

Record 2:

  • Type: CNAME Record
  • Host: selector2._domainkey
  • Target: selector2-yourdomain-com._domainkey.yourtenant.onmicrosoft.com

Mailchimp

  • Type: CNAME Record
  • Host: k1._domainkey
  • Target: dkim.mcsv.net

SendGrid

  • Type: CNAME Record
  • Host: s1._domainkey
  • Target: From SendGrid dashboard (e.g., s1.domainkey.u12345.wl.sendgrid.net)

Zoho Mail

  • Type: TXT Record
  • Host: zmail._domainkey
  • Value: From Zoho Mail Admin Console

Common Issues and Solutions

"Record not found" error

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

Solutions:

  • Wait 30 minutes and check again
  • Verify the Host field is correct (Namecheap automatically appends your domain)
  • Check for typos in _domainkey

2048-bit key issues

Namecheap supports long TXT records, so 2048-bit DKIM keys should work. If you encounter issues:

  • Verify the entire key was copied without truncation
  • Check for extra spaces or line breaks
  • Ensure quotes are handled correctly

CNAME conflicts

Cause: An existing record at the same hostname.

Solutions:

  • Check for duplicate records in Advanced DNS
  • CNAME records cannot coexist with other record types at the same hostname
  • Remove any conflicting A, AAAA, or TXT records

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

Namecheap Email Hosting

If you use Namecheap's email hosting (Private Email), DKIM is typically configured automatically. Check your Namecheap email settings to verify DKIM is enabled.

For third-party email services, you'll need to add the DKIM records manually as shown above.

Using Namecheap with External DNS

If you use Namecheap for registration but host DNS elsewhere (like Cloudflare), you need to add DKIM records at your DNS host, not Namecheap. Check where your nameservers point to determine where to add records.

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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