Adding DKIM Records in GoDaddy: DNS Panel Walkthrough

This guide is part of our Setup & Configuration resources.

If you manage your domain through GoDaddy, adding a DKIM record means navigating to the right place in the DNS panel and entering a few fields correctly. This walkthrough covers the exact steps - where to click, what to type, and what to watch out for - so you can get DKIM set up without guesswork. For a broader overview of DKIM authentication, see our complete DKIM guide.

For the full guide covering GoDaddy email, third-party providers, and troubleshooting, see the complete DKIM for GoDaddy guide.

What You Need Before Opening GoDaddy

Before you touch the DNS panel, make sure you have two things ready:

1. A selector name - This is a label that identifies your DKIM key. Your email provider may give you one (like google or selector1), or you can choose your own (like mail or default). See DKIM selectors explained for more on how selectors work.
2. The DKIM record value - This is the text string that starts with v=DKIM1; followed by your public key. You get this from your email provider or from DKIM Creator.

Having both of these ready before you log in saves you from switching back and forth between tabs.

Navigating to the GoDaddy DNS Panel

Adding a TXT Record for DKIM

Most DKIM setups use a TXT record. This is the standard approach and works with any email provider that gives you a DKIM public key.

Here's a summary of what your completed record should look like:

Adding a CNAME Record for DKIM

Some email providers - like Microsoft 365 and Mailchimp - use CNAME records instead of TXT records. The process is nearly the same, but you select CNAME as the record type and the value points to your provider's domain instead of containing the key directly.

Your email provider gives you both the selector name and the CNAME target. Copy them exactly as provided - the values are specific to your account and domain.

The TXT Record Character Limit

This is the most common issue people run into with GoDaddy and DKIM.

If you hit this limit, you have two options:

• Split the value - Some setups allow you to break the TXT value into multiple quoted strings (each under 255 characters). GoDaddy may handle this automatically, but results vary.
• Use a 1024-bit key - A 1024-bit key produces a shorter record (~216 characters) that fits comfortably within GoDaddy's limits. While 2048-bit is the current recommendation, 1024-bit is still widely accepted and far better than having no DKIM at all.

If you're generating keys with DKIM Creator, you can choose between 1024-bit and 2048-bit. For GoDaddy, try 2048-bit first and fall back to 1024-bit if the value gets truncated.

How Long Until the Record Works?

After saving your DKIM record in GoDaddy, you need to wait for DNS propagation. This is the time it takes for the new record to spread across DNS servers worldwide.

GoDaddy propagation typically takes 24 to 48 hours, though many records go live within a few hours. During this window:

• Don't delete or edit the record thinking it didn't work
• Don't create duplicate records
• Check back after a few hours with a DNS lookup tool or by sending a test email

Once the record propagates, receiving mail servers can look up your public key and verify the DKIM signatures on your outgoing emails.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Including your domain in the Name field. GoDaddy appends the domain automatically. If you type mail._domainkey.example.com, the actual record ends up at mail._domainkey.example.com.example.com - which won't work.

Adding line breaks in the Value field. Paste the DKIM value as one continuous string. Line breaks can split the record in ways that break verification.

Forgetting ._domainkey in the Name. The name isn't just your selector - it's selector._domainkey. The ._domainkey suffix is required by the DKIM standard.

Editing the record too soon. If your DKIM isn't verifying right away, wait the full propagation period before making changes. Editing the record restarts the propagation clock.

What's Next?

Once your DKIM record is live in GoDaddy and verified, consider setting up SPF and DMARC records to complete your email authentication. Together, these three protocols give receiving servers confidence that emails from your domain are legitimate.

For more detail on GoDaddy-specific setups - including Microsoft 365 integration, multiple selectors, and provider-specific CNAME records - see the full DKIM for GoDaddy guide.

References

• RFC 6376 — DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) Signatures
• RFC 1035 — Domain Names — Implementation and Specification
• GoDaddy — DNS management documentation

---

Your DKIM keys are one generate away from landing in GoDaddy's DNS panel.