Domain Setup Issues
Troubleshoot custom domain and email authentication problems.
Custom Domain Not Working
Verification Failed
If your domain won't verify:
- Wait for DNS propagation - Can take up to 48 hours
- Check DNS records - Ensure they match exactly
- Remove extra spaces - Copy/paste can add whitespace
- Check with your registrar - Some have specific formats
Checking DNS Records
Use these tools to verify your records are set up:
- MXToolbox
- DNS Checker
- Command line:
dig TXT yourdomain.com
Email Authentication Records
SPF Record
Sender Policy Framework - tells email servers who can send from your domain.
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| SPF not found | Add the TXT record provided in settings |
| Multiple SPF records | Combine into one record (only 1 allowed) |
| Too many lookups | SPF has 10 lookup limit; use include: wisely |
DKIM Record
DomainKeys Identified Mail - cryptographically signs your emails.
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| DKIM not found | Add the CNAME record exactly as shown |
| Wrong selector | Use the selector name we provide (e.g., dk1._domainkey) |
| Signature mismatch | Re-copy the record value (may have changed) |
DMARC Record
Domain-based Message Authentication - tells receivers what to do with unauthenticated mail.
Recommended DMARC policy:
v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected]
Start with p=none to monitor, then move to p=quarantine or p=reject.
Common DNS Mistakes
Wrong Record Type
- SPF should be TXT, not SPF type
- DKIM can be CNAME or TXT depending on provider
- DMARC should be TXT
Wrong Host Name
- Root domain: Use
@or leave blank - Subdomain: Enter just the subdomain part
- DKIM: Include the selector prefix
Trailing Dots
Some DNS providers need a trailing dot on CNAME targets, others don't. Check your provider's documentation.
Testing Your Setup
Test Tools
- Mail Tester - mail-tester.com
- MX Toolbox - mxtoolbox.com/deliverability
- Google Postmaster - For Gmail-specific issues
Send a Test Email
- After setting up records, wait 1-2 hours
- Send a test email from DailyDraft
- Check if it passes SPF and DKIM
- View email headers to verify authentication
Registrar-Specific Guides
DNS setup varies by registrar:
- GoDaddy - DNS Management → Add Record
- Namecheap - Advanced DNS → Add New Record
- Cloudflare - DNS → Add Record (disable proxy for email records)
- Google Domains - DNS → Custom Records
Cloudflare users: Make sure email-related records (MX, SPF, DKIM) have the proxy toggled OFF (gray cloud).
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