Authenticating with Various Domain Hosts

Different DNS providers have different interfaces, terminology, and quirks when adding records. This article covers general guidance for adding SendX authentication records across popular DNS hosts, plus tips for handling common provider-specific issues.

Read this article if you're not sure how to add DNS records with your specific provider, your provider's interface doesn't match the generic instructions, you're troubleshooting records that won't verify, or you manage domains across multiple DNS providers.

SendX formats your DNS records specifically for your provider. When you expand your domain details, use the "View as" dropdown to select your DNS host.

Available options include:

Selecting your provider adjusts how the host/name field is formatted. This matters because providers handle domain suffixes differently. Some want just sendx._domainkey, others want the full sendx._domainkey.yourdomain.com.

If your provider isn't listed, select "Other" for a generic format.

For step-by-step instructions with screenshots for each provider, see these detailed guides:

Hostinger appends the domain automatically. Enter only the subdomain portion.

Bluehost's interface varies depending on whether you're using their legacy or new control panel.

Wix handles the domain suffix automatically.

Finding DNS settings

Look for terms like:

Host/Name field

Most providers automatically append your domain. If SendX shows sendx._domainkey.yourdomain.com:

When in doubt, try the shorter version first. If it doesn't verify, you can edit the record.

TTL (Time to Live)

This controls how long DNS servers cache your record. For authentication records:

Quotes around values

Some providers (like Route53) require TXT values wrapped in quotes. Others add quotes automatically. If your record isn't verifying:

Propagation time

DNS changes can take time to spread across the internet.

Most changes propagate within a few hours, but it can take up to 24 hours. If your records aren't verifying immediately, wait and try again.

Before troubleshooting in SendX, verify your records are publicly visible using these free tools:

MXToolbox

https://mxtoolbox.com/SuperTool.aspx

Enter txt:sendx._domainkey.yourdomain.com to check your DKIM record, or txt:_dmarc.yourdomain.com for DMARC.

DNSChecker

https://dnschecker.org/

Shows how your DNS records appear from different locations worldwide. Useful for checking if propagation is complete.

Google Admin Toolbox

https://toolbox.googleapps.com/apps/dig/

Query specific DNS records to see exactly what's published.

If these tools show your record correctly but SendX doesn't verify it, there may be a formatting issue. Compare what the tools show with what SendX expects.

After adding records, check their status in SendX.

Click the three-dot menu next to your domain and select "Recheck Status."

If someone else manages your DNS (IT team, web developer, hosting provider), you can email them the records directly from SendX.

Click the three-dot menu and select "Send Instructions."

Enter their email address and click Send.

They'll receive an email with the exact records needed, formatted for easy copying.

External tools show record, SendX doesn't verify

My DNS provider isn't in the SendX dropdown. What should I do?

Select "Other" for a generic format. Most providers follow similar conventions, so the generic format works in most cases. If you run into issues, check your provider's documentation for how they handle TXT records.

Can I use different DNS providers for different domains?

Yes. Each domain can be hosted on a different DNS provider. Just select the correct provider in SendX for each domain you authenticate.

I changed DNS providers. Do I need to re-add my records?

Yes. DNS records don't transfer automatically when you change providers or nameservers. You'll need to add the DKIM and DMARC records to your new DNS provider.

My company uses internal DNS. Can I still authenticate?

Yes, as long as your DNS records are publicly resolvable. Internal-only DNS that isn't visible to the internet won't work because inbox providers need to look up your records.

Who should I contact if I can't access my DNS?

I added the records but the provider shows a different value than what I pasted.

Some providers reformat or truncate the display of long TXT records. Use an external tool like MXToolbox to see the actual published value. If that matches what SendX expects, the record is correct regardless of how your provider displays it.