After you connect a custom email address to Dubsado, you may need to set up a DKIM record with your domain host so email providers recognize that messages sent through Dubsado are legitimate, improving both deliverability and security.
DKIM signs your outgoing emails with a digital signature so recipients' email providers can verify they actually came from your domain, which helps keep them out of spam. The option to set up DKIM only appears after you've connected an email account that uses a custom domain. If you connected a non-custom domain email, such as an @gmail or @outlook email, your provider handles DKIM automatically, and you won't see a DKIM section at all.
Finding your DKIM settings
You can reach your DKIM settings from two places in Dubsado, and both take you to the same page.
Navigate to Settings ➔ Emails, or open Messages ➔ Settings.
Scroll down to the Email Deliverability section.
Find the DKIM subsection.
Generating a DKIM key
The DKIM subsection starts out empty until you generate a key.
Check the Domain field. It's read-only and automatically filled in from your connected SMTP email address, so there's nothing to type here.
Choose a Key size: 1024-bit or 2048-bit. The field defaults to 2048-bit.
Click Generate DKIM Keys.
A "DKIM keys generated" confirmation appears, and the section switches to show your new record's details.
2048-bit is the recommended, most secure option, and it meets the standards of major email providers. Use 1024-bit only if your domain host's DNS doesn't support longer records.
Adding the record to your domain host
Once you've generated a key, Dubsado displays a banner prompting you to add the record below to your DNS settings with your domain host, then click Verify. Three read-only fields appear, each with a copy icon next to it:
Type: always TXT
Host / Name: the record name
Value: the record value
Use the copy icon next to each field to copy it exactly. DNS records are case-sensitive, so copy the Host / Name and Value exactly as Dubsado generates them rather than retyping them.
At your domain host, find your DNS settings and create a new TXT record using the Host / Name and Value Dubsado gave you. Each domain host's interface is a little different, so it's best to follow your host's own instructions:
If your domain host isn't listed above, go to your host's help center and search for "TXT" or "DKIM."
Verifying your DKIM record
After you've added the TXT record at your domain host, return to the DKIM subsection in Dubsado to confirm the connection.
Click Verify.
If verification succeeds, a banner reads "Success! Your DKIM record is verified," and the section simplifies to show just the Host / Name field and a Delete button.
If verification fails, you'll see an error message telling you to check your DNS records and try again. This usually comes down to one of two things:
DNS hasn't propagated yet. Propagation can take up to 48 hours. Wait and click Verify again periodically.
The record itself is incorrect. If it's been more than 48 hours, double-check the record at your domain host. Try the other Key size, and confirm the spelling, capitalization, and symbols match exactly what Dubsado generated, since TXT records are case-sensitive.
If verification fails, it's most often because DNS hasn't propagated yet. Propagation can take up to 48 hours, so click Verify again periodically. If it still fails after 48 hours, recheck the record at your domain host.
Replacing your DKIM key
Refreshing your DKIM key periodically, every six months or so, is good security practice, since it's a published record with your domain host. To replace a key:
Click Delete on your existing key.
Click Generate DKIM Keys to create a new one.
Add the new record to your domain host's DNS settings.
Click Verify.
Deleting your DKIM key removes it from Dubsado right away. Be ready to add the new record to your domain host and verify it so there isn't a long gap in email authentication.
FAQ
Can I have multiple DKIM TXT records?
Yes, you can have multiple DKIM records in your domain host's DNS settings.
I use Google or Microsoft as my email provider. Do I need to set up DKIM?
If your Google or Microsoft email doesn't use a custom domain, no, your provider handles DKIM automatically. If you use a custom domain with Google or Microsoft, you'll set up DKIM through your Google or Microsoft account instead of Dubsado. See connecting with Google or connecting with Microsoft for more on those account types.
What's the difference between an email host and a domain host?
Your domain, like yourwebsite.com, has a domain host. Your custom email address, like hello@yourwebsite.com, has an email host. These can be the same company or different ones.
If I change domain hosts, do I need to update my DKIM record?
Yes, you'll need to repeat the DKIM setup process with your new domain host.
I set this up but my emails are still going to spam.
DKIM helps with deliverability, but it can't guarantee inbox placement on its own, since spam filters change frequently. Check out our tips on keeping your emails out of spam for more ways to improve deliverability.
Can you make these changes in my domain for me?
Dubsado can't access your domain host's settings, so we're not able to make these changes for you. Contact your domain host directly for setup help specific to their platform.