DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) is an email authentication method designed to detect forged sender addresses during the delivery of the email. It works by using public-key cryptography to sign your emails, allowing recipients to verify that the messages they receive are indeed from you and have not been altered in transit.

Why Use DKIM?

Implementing DKIM helps improve the deliverability of your emails by reducing the likelihood that they will be marked as spam. It also enhances trust between email senders and recipients, ensuring that legitimate messages are recognized as such.

Setting Up DKIM in Plesk

Step 1: Generate DKIM Keys

  1. Log in to your Plesk control panel.
  2. Navigate to the "Email" section and select the domain for which you want to set up DKIM.
  3. Click on the "DKIM" tab. If it's not visible, ensure that the domain has a valid email address configured.
  4. Click on the "Enable DKIM" button. Plesk will automatically generate the necessary public and private keys for you.

Step 2: Add TXT Record to DNS

  1. In the same "DKIM" tab, you'll see a DNS record that needs to be added. It will look something like this: 
    default._domainkey.yourdomain.com. 14400 TXT ( "v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=MIGfMA0GCSqGSIb3DQEBAQUAA4GNADCBiQKBgQC..." )
  2. Log in to your DNS management interface. This could be through Plesk, a third-party DNS provider, or directly with your domain registrar.
  3. Create a new TXT record using the information provided by Plesk. Ensure that the host name matches exactly as shown (e.g., default._domainkey.yourdomain.com).

Setting Up DKIM in cPanel

Step 1: Generate DKIM Keys

  1. Log in to your cPanel account.
  2. In the "Email" section, find and click on the "Authentication" icon.
  3. Select "DKIM" from the options provided.
  4. Click on the domain for which you want to enable DKIM. Then, click the "Manage" button next to it.
  5. In the new window, click "Enable" to generate the DKIM keys automatically.

Step 2: Add TXT Record to DNS

  1. cPanel will display a DNS record that needs to be added. It will look similar to this: 
    default._domainkey.yourdomain.com. IN TXT "v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=MIGfMA0GCSqGSIb3DQEBAQUAA4GNADCBiQKBgQC..."
  2. Navigate to your DNS management interface, which could be cPanel's built-in DNS editor or a third-party service.
  3. Create a new TXT record using the information provided by cPanel. Make sure the host name is correct (e.g., default._domainkey.yourdomain.com).

Verifying DKIM Setup

After setting up DKIM, it's important to verify that everything is configured correctly.

  1. Send a test email from your domain to an external address (e.g., Gmail or Outlook).
  2. Check the headers of the received email for the DKIM-Signature field. You can usually view this in the "Show original" option within most email clients.
  3. Alternatively, use online tools like DKIM Validator to verify your setup. Simply enter your domain and send a test email through their system.

Troubleshooting

  • DNS Propagation Delay: It can take up to 48 hours for DNS changes to propagate globally. If you're having issues, wait and try again later.
  • Incorrect TXT Record: Ensure that the TXT record is entered exactly as provided by your control panel, including all characters and spaces.
  • Multiple DKIM Records: Only one default._domainkey TXT record should exist per domain. If multiple records are present, it can cause issues with email authentication.

If you continue to experience problems after following these steps, please contact Internetport support for further assistance.