How to Add a DMARC Record (The Simple Way)

What is DMARC and Why Do You Need It? #

DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) is a security check for your emails. It helps prevent spammers from sending fake emails pretending to be you. When DMARC is set up, email services like Gmail or Yahoo know which emails are real and which ones aren’t.

Platforms like Amazon SES might show warnings if your DMARC isn’t set up. Fixing it helps your emails land in your customers’ inbox instead of spam folders and keeps your domain safe from misuse.

How to Set Up a DMARC Record in 4 Simple Steps #

Step 1: Generate Your DMARC Record for Free #

To create the DMARC record, follow these easy steps:

1. Open a free DMARC generator tool:

• MXToolbox DMARC Generator

• DMARCian Record Wizard

2. Select these settings:

• Policy: Choose “None” (this lets you monitor your emails without blocking anything).

• Email for reports:

• Use an email you don’t check often or create a new email just for this.

• Why? You’ll get a lot of reports every day, often as zip files, and you probably won’t need to open them unless there’s a problem.

3. Copy the generated text, which will look something like this:

v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:your-new-email@yourdomain.com; pct=100;

Step 2: Add the DMARC Record to Your DNS Settings #

This step may sound technical, but it’s simple—just like adding a contact to your phone.

1. Log in to your DNS provider (where your website is managed, like GoDaddy, Cloudflare, or Route 53).

2. Go to DNS Management.

3. Add a new TXT record:

• Name/Host: _dmarc.yourdomain.com

• Type: TXT

• Value: Paste the DMARC text you copied in Step 1.

Step 3: Wait for It to Take Effect #

It might take up to 24 hours for your changes to work across the internet.

Step 4: Verify Your Setup #

Once done, use a free tool like MXToolbox DMARC Lookup to check if everything is working fine.

That’s It! 🎉

You’re all set! This small change will help protect your domain from email spoofing and make sure your emails get delivered properly. You won’t get that annoying DMARC warning again, and your emails will look more trustworthy to customers.