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DKIM not found

Understand why DKIM detection fails in Instantly

Updated yesterday

Instantly tests for DKIM(DomainKeys Identified Mail) records using the most common DKIM selectors. If your email provider uses a non-standard selector, our automated test may not detect it, even though your DKIM is properly configured.

Different email providers use different DKIM selectors:

Google Workspace / Gmail:

  • Selector: google

  • Full hostname: google._domainkey.yourdomain.com

Microsoft 365 / Outlook:

  • Selectors: selector1, selector2, or microsoft

  • Full hostname: selector1._domainkey.yourdomain.com

Other providers: May use custom selectors that our automated test doesn't check.


How to Verify Your DKIM Record Manually

If you see "DKIM not found" but believe your record is configured correctly, verify it manually:

Step 1: Find Your DKIM Selector

  • Log in to your domain provider's DNS management area

  • Look for your DKIM record in the DNS zone

  • Find the DKIM hostname (it will look like: selector._domainkey.yourdomain.com)

  • The selector is the first part before ._domainkey

Example:

  • Full hostname: google._domainkey.example.com

  • Your selector: google

Step 2: Test Your DKIM Record

  1. Enter your domain name

  2. Enter your DKIM selector. Enable 'Detect all selectors'

  3. Click "Check DKIM"

What to look for:

  • Valid result: Shows your DKIM record details, which means your DKIM is properly configured

  • Not found: Your DKIM record may not be set up correctly or hasn't propagated yet. Please refer to your provider's official documentation for the latest DKIM record values.

Step 3: Ignore the Error (If DKIM Is Valid)

Once you confirm your DKIM record exists and is valid through the manual test:

  • Your DKIM is working correctly

  • You can safely ignore the "DKIM not found" error in Instantly

  • Your emails will still be authenticated properly

Note: Some email providers use CNAME records that point to TXT records for DKIM. Both types are valid.


DKIM for Instantly Purchased Domains

If you purchased DFY or Pre-warmed domains from Instantly, all DNS records (including DKIM) are configured automatically, and no action is needed from you.

If your DFY account shows "Setup Pending":

  • Setup typically takes 2-3 business days due to DNS propagation

  • DKIM not found error is expected during this period

  • Once complete, the "Setup Pending" status will disappear, and all DNS records will be fully configured

After setup completes:

  • Test your domain setup in Instantly's Email Accounts dashboard

  • The "DKIM not found" error should resolve automatically

  • If it persists after 3 business days, contact support

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