How to Set Up DKIM GoDaddy: Easy Step-by-Step Guide [2025]
You’ve set up email for your domain.
You’re sending messages.
But something’s off — your emails keep going to spam.
If your domain is hosted on GoDaddy and you're not using DKIM, that's probably the reason.
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) is one of those things that seems complicated, but it doesn’t have to be.
You don’t need to understand encryption or email protocols.
You just need to add one TXT record inside your GoDaddy DNS settings to avoid emails going to spam.
That’s it.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to set up DKIM in GoDaddy step by step.
Just the exact steps to:
- Get your DKIM record
- Add it to GoDaddy
- And verify it’s working
Once you’re done, your emails will look legit to Gmail, Outlook, and every other inbox out there.
That means better email deliverability, less spam, and more trust.
Let’s get right into the setup.
TL;DR: How to Set Up DKIM in GoDaddy
- Get your DKIM record from your email provider (Google/Microsoft/Zoho)
- Log in to GoDaddy DNS and add a TXT record
- Use a tool like MXToolbox to check if it’s live
- Combine with SPF and DMARC for full deliverability protection
Before You Start: Quick Setup Checklist
Before you jump into the steps, here’s what you need to have ready:
- ✅ Access to your GoDaddy DNS settings
- ✅ Your DKIM record (you’ll usually get this from your email provider like Google Workspace, Zoho, or Microsoft 365)
- ✅ A quick backup of your existing DNS records — just in case something breaks (rare, but it happens)
This part only takes a minute. But skipping it? That’s how people end up stuck halfway through.
⚠️ Heads Up Before You Start
Here’s something most DKIM setup guides don’t tell you:
Not all GoDaddy setups are the same.
You might be:
- Using Google Workspace but managing your domain on GoDaddy
- Or using Microsoft 365 via GoDaddy’s email setup
- Or even still on the old GoDaddy Workspace Email
Each setup has slight differences, especially in how DKIM records are generated or where you paste them.
And if you're not sure who handles your email, here's a tip:
👉 Go to MXToolbox and run an MX lookup on your domain. That’ll show you where your email is actually coming from.
Knowing that before you open your DNS settings saves you from a lot of trial and error later. So take 60 seconds to double-check.
Then we’ll walk through how to add your DKIM record in GoDaddy the right way — step by step.
What Is DKIM GoDaddy?
Let’s break it down the right way.
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) is an email authentication method that helps inboxes (like Gmail or Outlook) verify that your emails are actually coming from you, not a spammer pretending to be you.
Here’s how it works:
- Your email provider (like Google Workspace or Zoho) adds a DKIM signature to every email you send.
- That signature gets checked by the receiving inbox.
- If it matches the DKIM record in your domain’s DNS, your email passes.
- If it doesn’t? It’s a red flag — and probably ends up in spam.
Now, where does GoDaddy fit in?
If your domain is registered with GoDaddy, your DNS settings live there.
That’s where you add your DKIM record — a small TXT record that lets inboxes verify your email signature.
📌 Even if you use a third-party email service (like Gmail), you still need to update the DKIM record in GoDaddy if that’s where your domain is hosted.
Why it matters:
- ✅ Stops spoofing and fake emails from using your domain
- ✅ Boosts your chances of landing in the inbox, not spam
- ✅ Helps you build a stronger sender reputation over time
Most deliverability problems aren’t about copy or timing — they’re about trust.
DKIM is how you build that trust.
And if your domain is on GoDaddy, setting it up there is non-negotiable.
How to Set Up a DKIM Record in GoDaddy (Step-by-Step)
Setting up DKIM in GoDaddy is easier than it looks — if you follow the right steps.
Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Get Your DKIM Record
Before anything else, you need the DKIM record from your email provider.
You’re looking for:
- A Host/Selector — e.g., google._domainkey
- A TXT value — a long string that starts with v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=...
Here’s how to find it:
- Google Workspace: Admin Console → Apps → Gmail → Authenticate Email
- Microsoft 365: Microsoft 365 Admin → Domains → DKIM
- Other providers: Search “get DKIM record” + your provider name
✅ No DKIM key shown? Use a tool like DKIM Generator to create one (use at least 1024-bit).
Step 2: Log in to GoDaddy DNS Settings
- Go to GoDaddy.com and log in
- Click My Products
- Find your domain
- Click the DNS button
You’ll land on the DNS Management Console. This is where the magic happens.
Step 3: Add the DKIM Record in GoDaddy
Once you're in:
- Scroll to the Records section
- Click Add New Record
Fill it out like this:
⚠️ Paste the full key. It’s long — don’t miss a character.
Click Save when you’re done.
Step 4: Verify Your DKIM Setup
Changes don’t happen instantly — it can take 15 mins to a few hours.
Use one of these tools to check:
Salesforge Free DKIM Checker
Salesforge offers a free DKIM checker designed specifically for cold emailers, marketers, and growth teams.
With it, you can:
- Instantly check if your DKIM record is live and passing
- Verify the selector, domain, and full key value
- Catch common issues like propagation delays or copy/paste errors
- Use it without logging in — no email required
📌 Great for: founders, marketers, or agencies setting up outreach infrastructure.
✅ Already set up your DKIM in GoDaddy? Run a quick test with Salesforge’s free checker to make sure your emails won’t land in spam.
👉 Use Salesforge DKIM Checker (Free)
MXToolbox DKIM Lookup
MXToolbox DKIM lookup is one of the most trusted tools for checking DNS-based records like DKIM, SPF, and DMARC.
With the DKIM lookup tool, you can:
- Check if your DKIM record is correctly published in DNS
- Verify the selector and domain configuration
- See if your DKIM signature is valid and passing
- Get alerts for missing records, formatting errors, or DNS failures
📌 Great for: quick checks, troubleshooting, and confirming live DNS status.
What do you want to see?
- Record Detected – Your DKIM record is live and found in DNS
- DKIM Pass ✅ – Your email is correctly signed and verified
- No Syntax Errors – The DKIM record is properly formatted and error-free
❌ If it fails, double-check the Host field and make sure you pasted the entire key correctly.
Quick Recap
Here’s how to set up DKIM in GoDaddy:
- Get your DKIM record from your email provider
- Log in to your GoDaddy DNS dashboard
- Add a TXT record with the Host and Key
- Use an online tool to make sure it’s working
Once it’s live, your domain is protected, and your emails are more likely to land in the inbox, not spam.
💡 Bonus: Don’t Forget SPF and DMARC
Setting up DKIM in GoDaddy is a strong move, but it’s only part of the full picture.
To protect your domain and boost deliverability, you should also set up:
- SPF (Sender Policy Framework) — tells inboxes which servers can send email on your behalf
- DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication) — gives instructions on what to do if SPF or DKIM fail
📌 The ideal set:
SPF verifies the sender.
DKIM verifies the content.
DMARC makes the rules.
These three work best together, and many inbox providers expect all of them. That’s why searches for SPF, DKIM, DMARC GoDaddy setup are rising fast.
If you haven’t set up SPF or DMARC yet, this is the perfect time. You’re already in your DNS, might as well lock down your domain properly.
❌ What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid with DKIM GoDaddy Setup?
Setting up DKIM in GoDaddy isn’t hard, but a few small slip-ups can break the whole thing.
Here’s what to watch for:
1. Copying the DKIM Record Incorrectly
This one’s super common.
DKIM keys are long — sometimes 2048 characters or more. If you miss even a single character, the key won’t validate.
✅ Always copy the full key from your email provider.
❌ Avoid line breaks, quotes, or extra spaces — they can break the record.
2. Forgetting to Save Your DNS Changes
This might sound obvious, but it happens.
After adding your DKIM TXT record in GoDaddy:
- Make sure you hit “Save.”
- Wait for the success message
- Confirm the record is listed in your DNS table
No save = no DKIM.
3. Not Verifying the Record After Setup
Just because you added the record doesn’t mean it’s working.
DNS propagation can take time, and sometimes things get stuck.
That’s why you should always test your DKIM setup after making changes.
Tools to use:
📌 A quick check now can save hours of email issues later.
✅ Pro Tip:
Once your DKIM GoDaddy setup is complete and verified, take a screenshot or save the config somewhere.
It’ll be handy if you ever migrate providers or switch DNS settings.
How Long Does It Take for DKIM GoDaddy to Start Working?
Once you add your DKIM record to GoDaddy, it doesn’t kick in immediately.
It needs to propagate across DNS servers worldwide, which takes a little time.
How Long Does It Usually Take?
Here’s a realistic timeline:
✅ In most cases, your DKIM record will be live within a few hours.
❗ But don’t panic if it takes longer — DNS works in the background.
How to Tell If Your DKIM Is Working
Like we mentioned earlier, you can use tools like MXToolbox DKIM Lookup, EasyDMARC DKIM Checker, or dmarcian DKIM Inspector to check your DKIM status in seconds
What to look for:
- ✅ Record found — your DKIM is published
- ✅ Signature valid — your email is now authenticated
- ❌ Record missing or invalid — check for typos or wait longer
⚠️ If It’s Not Showing Up Yet…
Try this:
- Wait another 1–2 hours
- Double-check your Host/Name field (most common mistake)
- Make sure the full DKIM key was pasted with no line breaks or spaces
- Verify you saved it under the correct domain (yes, that happens too)
Once your DKIM GoDaddy record is live and verified, your emails will start passing DKIM checks, giving you better deliverability and protection.
How to Check If DKIM GoDaddy Is Working Properly?
Just because you added a DKIM record doesn’t mean it’s working yet.
You need to verify it, and luckily, there are free tools that make this easy.
✅ Use a DKIM Checker Tool
- Here are the best tools to check your DKIM GoDaddy setup: MXToolbox DKIM Lookup, dmarcian DKIM Inspector, EasyDMARC DKIM Lookup, and MailTester (great for testing email deliverability).
How to Use These Tools
- Open any of the DKIM checkers
- Enter your domain name
- Enter the selector you used (e.g., google, default, selector1)
- Run the check
You’ll see a live status of your record.
✅ What a “Good” DKIM Result Looks Like
- Record Found → Your DKIM TXT record is live
- DKIM Signature Valid → Everything is working properly
- No Errors or Warnings → You’re all set
What to Do If DKIM GoDaddy Setup Fails?
So you followed all the steps…
But your DKIM record still isn’t working?
It happens — and usually, it’s one of a few easy-to-fix issues.
Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide:
DKIM GoDaddy Troubleshooting Table
✅ Most DKIM issues come down to: small copy/paste errors, missing fields, or not giving DNS enough time to update.
When to Contact GoDaddy Support
If you’ve:
- Waited 48 hours
- Verified the DKIM record with your provider
- Double-checked everything in DNS
...and it’s still not working?
Then it’s time to contact GoDaddy Support. Ask them to:
- Confirm the TXT record is published correctly
- Check if anything’s blocking updates from their side
📌 Pro tip: Share a screenshot of your record + selector name. It helps them troubleshoot faster.
🚀Bonus: Warmforge – Take Your DKIM Setup Further
Setting up DKIM in GoDaddy is the first step toward better email deliverability.
But even with DKIM, SPF, and DMARC, your domain still needs to build a positive sending reputation.
That’s where Warmforge helps.
What Warmforge Does
- ✅ Sends real, monitored emails across a trusted network
- ✅ Builds your sender reputation over time
- ✅ Keeps your domain out of spam traps during outreach
- ✅ Strengthens your technical setup with behavioral trust signals
📌 If your emails still land in spam after setup, it’s probably a reputation issue, not a DNS problem.
Ready to Complete the Setup?
Try Warmforge Free, give your domain the warm-up it needs, and get your emails into inboxes.
Conclusion: Secure Your Domain With DKIM on GoDaddy
Setting up DKIM in GoDaddy isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s essential.
Without DKIM, your emails are missing a key trust signal.
And that’s exactly why they end up in spam, get flagged, or simply don’t show up at all.
The good news?
You only have to do it once.
Just:
- Get your DKIM record from your email provider
- Add it to GoDaddy DNS
- Verify it with a quick check
- Fix anything that breaks along the way
Once it’s live, your emails are signed, trusted, and more likely to reach the inbox — exactly where they belong.
📌 DKIM works silently in the background, but it makes a visible difference in email performance.
So don’t wait.
Ready to make sure your emails finally land in the inbox?
Follow the steps above—or run a warmup with Warmforge and skip the guesswork..
It’s one of the simplest ways to improve your email deliverability for good.
FAQs
How long does DKIM take on GoDaddy?
Most DKIM records go live within 1–4 hours.
In some cases, it can take up to 48 hours due to DNS propagation delays.
What if my DKIM record isn’t propagating?
Double-check your:
- Selector name (make sure it’s correct)
- DNS value (no line breaks, quotes, or missing characters)
- TTL setting (use the default unless your provider says otherwise)
Still not showing after 48 hours? Use MXToolbox to confirm and contact GoDaddy support if needed.
Do I need SPF and DMARC too?
Yes — if you want full email protection.
- SPF tells inboxes who can send on your behalf
- DKIM signs each message
- DMARC ties it all together with rules
📌 For best results, set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC in your GoDaddy DNS.
Can I test if DKIM is working?
Absolutely. Use free tools like:
- MXToolbox DKIM Lookup
- EasyDMARC DKIM Checker
- Mail Tester
They’ll tell you if your record is live and valid.
What if I’m using Google Workspace or Microsoft 365?
You still need to set up DKIM in GoDaddy’s DNS, even if your email is hosted elsewhere.
Your email provider gives you the DKIM key, but GoDaddy is where it gets published.
Will DKIM stop all spam issues?
No — but it’s a huge step in the right direction.
DKIM helps inboxes trust your email. When combined with SPF and DMARC, it gives your domain a strong foundation for better deliverability and fewer spam problems.