How to use automatic domain authentication

If your domain is hosted on GoDaddy, IONOS, or Cloudflare, you can take advantage of our seamless DNS configuration process, allowing you to authenticate your domain at the click of a button.

You'll need to provide two records (DKIM & SPF) that MailerLite gives you to your DNS or hosting provider. Some well-known providers include Cloudflare & GoDaddy, but there are plenty more out there.

Before you get started, here's what you need to do:

1. Make sure you have the necessary access to make changes to your DNS records.

2. If you don't have direct access to your DNS or hosting provider, identify someone within your organization who can make DNS modifications for your domain.

Whether you choose automatic or manual setup, the initial steps are the same:

1. Start by logging in to your MailerLite account and navigating to the Account settings page.

2. Once you're in the Account settings, click on the Domains tab.

3. Under the Sending domains section, click the Add domain button.

4. In the provided field, enter an email address that includes your paid domain. This email address will be used as the sender for your campaigns. Click the Save button to proceed.

5. Keep an eye on your inbox for a verification email from MailerLite. Follow the steps provided in the email to verify your email address.

6. Once your email address is verified, return to the Domains tab and locate the custom domain you just added. Click on the Authenticate button.

If your DNS provider is one of our partners, you can take advantage of our automatic setup, which simplifies the process even further:

1. Follow the steps above.

2. Under the Automatic tab log in to your DNS host account. Follow the instructions to connect to your account.

3. Next, you'll see the DNS records that MailerLite will configure for you. Click the Authorize or Connect button to proceed.

4. MailerLite will attempt to verify the correct setup of your DNS records. You can check the status by clicking the Pending button under Authentication and then clicking Verify domain. Alternatively, you can refresh the page. 

5. Once the DNS configuration is successful, the button will display Authenticated. Please note that this process may take some time.

If you don’t see the Automatic tab or prefer a more hands-on approach, we've got you covered with manual domain authentication.

1. Follow the "How to authenticate your domain" instructions provided above.

2. Start in the Manual tab. Here you’ll find the Name and Value fields for the DKIM and SPF records of your domain. Keep this page open; you'll need it

3. Next, head over to your hosting provider's DNS page. The process of adding records varies depending on your DNS host. If you're unsure, we have helpful articles available that demonstrate how to add these records with some popular DNS service providers.

4. You'll need to add the DKIM as a CNAME record and the SPF as a TXT record. Use the Name and Value fields that we provide for you.

5. After you've added the DNS records to your domain with your hosting provider, return to MailerLite and click the Check DNS button.

6. If everything matches up correctly, the records will be approved, and your domain will be authenticated.

And one more thing to keep in mind – sometimes the site will indicate that one or both records were not approved, even if all of the information was correctly submitted. Here's why this might happen:

1. It can take the servers up to 24 hours to completely update this information. However, in most cases, the approval and updates happen within just a matter of minutes.

2. Some information has to be periodically re-checked and updated, which might affect the verification process.

If you encounter any unexpected issues or see that your records haven't been approved right away, don't fret! Give it a little time, and it's likely to sort itself out. Otherwise, we suggest following these troubleshooting steps.

In addition to automatic domain authentication for your sending domains, we also offer comprehensive guides on other essential topics:

• How to use automatic domain alignment: Ensure secure email delivery and maintain your brand's reputation by aligning your domain.

• How to link your custom domain to your landing pages and websites: Learn how to seamlessly connect your custom domain to your landing pages and websites for a more personalized online presence.