Why Is My DMARC Record Failing? A Step-by-Step Guide to Fix It
You set up your DMARC record, but it’s failing verification. Now what? A failed DMARC record can expose your domain to phishing, spoofing, and email delivery issues. Instead of panicking, let’s troubleshoot the problem step by step.
🔍 Step 1: Confirm That Your DMARC Record Exists
Before diving into fixes, check if your DMARC record is properly published.
✅ How to Check
Use a DMARC lookup tool to verify your record:
Example command (using nslookup in Windows)
shCopyEditnslookup -type=TXT _dmarc.yourdomain.com
If the response does not include a valid DMARC record, then your record is missing or misconfigured.
🔧 How to Fix
Publish a new DMARC record in your DNS:
plaintextCopyEdit_dmarc.yourdomain.com TXT "v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected]"
Ensure there’s only one DMARC record (duplicate records cause failures).
🛠 Step 2: Fix Syntax Errors in Your DMARC Record
DMARC records follow a strict format. Even a small mistake—like a missing semicolon—can break it.
✅ How to Check
Copy your record and paste it into a DMARC syntax validator tool.
🔧 Common Issues & Fixes
Issue | Example | Fix |
Missing "v=DMARC1" |
| Add |
Improper Spacing |
| Remove extra spaces: |
Invalid Policy |
| Use |
🌎 Step 3: Verify Your DNS Propagation
Even if your DMARC record is correct, it may not be live yet due to DNS propagation delays.
✅ How to Check
Use a DNS propagation checker.
Try running this command:
shCopyEditdig txt _dmarc.yourdomain.com +short
If your record isn’t showing, your DNS may still be updating.
🔧 How to Fix
Wait 24-48 hours for full DNS propagation.
If it’s still not live, check for DNS configuration errors with your provider.
📧 Step 4: Ensure SPF and DKIM Are Set Up Correctly
DMARC relies on SPF and DKIM. If they’re misconfigured, DMARC verification can fail.
✅ How to Check
Run SPF and DKIM lookups:
shCopyEditnslookup -type=TXT yourdomain.com
Look for records like:
SPF:
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~allDKIM:
v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=MIIBIjAN...
🔧 How to Fix
Ensure your SPF record includes all valid sending sources (Google, Microsoft, Mailchimp, etc.).
Generate a DKIM record from your email provider and publish it in DNS.
🚀 Step 5: Test Your DMARC Policy with Real Emails
Sometimes, even if your DMARC record looks fine, emails still fail authentication.
✅ How to Check
Send a test email from your domain to a Gmail account and check the headers:
Open the email in Gmail.
Click More > Show Original.
Look for
Authentication-Results:iniCopyEditdmarc=fail (p=reject)
🔧 How to Fix
If SPF or DKIM fails, check Step 4 again.
If DMARC fails but SPF/DKIM pass, ensure your DMARC policy aligns with your email traffic (try
p=nonefor testing).
✅ Final Checks: DMARC Best Practices
Once your DMARC record is fixed, follow these best practices to prevent future issues:
✔️ Use “p=none” at first, then move to quarantine or reject gradually.
✔️ Regularly check DMARC reports to detect unauthorized email activity.
✔️ Monitor SPF & DKIM alignment to prevent DMARC failures.
✔️ Use YourDMARC to analyze and optimize your DMARC setup easily.
🔹 Need Help? YourDMARC Can Fix It!
Still having trouble? YourDMARC simplifies DMARC setup and reporting—helping you stay compliant and protect your domain from email fraud.