How to Add SPF, DKIM & DMARC Records in DirectAdmin

What Are SPF, DKIM, and DMARC?

1. SPF (Sender Policy Framework)

SPF is a record that tells the internet which servers are allowed to send emails on behalf of your domain. If a server that isn’t on the list tries to send email using your domain name, it gets rejected.

SPF is like a “sender ID badge.”

2. DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)

DKIM adds a digital signature to your emails so receiving servers can verify they were not tampered with. It’s like sealing an envelope with your official stamp.

3. DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, & Conformance)

DMARC works with SPF and DKIM to:

• Prevent email spoofing
• Stop scammers from impersonating your domain
• Protect your sender reputation
• Decide what happens to suspicious emails (reject, quarantine, or allow)

DMARC is basically your domain’s security guard.

Why You Need These Records

Adding SPF, DKIM, and DMARC:

• Improves email deliverability
• Reduces spam and spoofing
• Protects your domain from phishing attacks
• Keeps your emails out of Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo spam folders
• Gives you more control over your domain’s security

If you want your domain to look professional and trustworthy — especially when sending business emails — you absolutely need them.

1. Log into DirectAdmin

Start by logging into your hosting control panel.

1. Open your telaHosting Client Area
2. Click your DirectAdmin hosting package
3. Select “Login to DirectAdmin”

Once inside, you’re ready for DNS configuration.

2. Go to DNS Management

This is where all DNS records are stored.

1. Scroll down to Account Manager
2. Click DNS Management

You’ll now see the list of records for your domain.

Adding SPF Record in DirectAdmin

SPF is a TXT record — not an MX or A record.

To add it:

1. Click Add Record
2. Choose TXT Record
3. In the Name field, enter your domain (or leave empty if DirectAdmin auto-fills it)
4. In the TXT Record type, select SPF
5. In the IP Address field, replace YOUR_SERVER_IP with your actual server IP from DirectAdmin.
6. In the Value field, enter your SPF policy

For telaHosting email, the recommended SPF is: v=spf1 a mx ip4:YOUR_SERVER_IP ~all

If you use external email services like Google or Outlook, you’ll include them here too.

Examples:

• Google Workspace SPF: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all
• Microsoft 365 SPF: v=spf1 include:spf.protection.outlook.com ~all

You must have only one SPF record because multiple SPF records will break email delivery.

Enable DKIM Record in DirectAdmin

DKIM is auto generated and included by default in the DNS management in DirectAdmin.

1. Go to Email Manager

2. Click Email Accounts

3. Click Enable DKIM

4. DirectAdmin will automatically generate the required DNS record

Once enabled, you’ll see a DKIM TXT record like: default._domainkey.yourdomain.com

This record is automatically added to your DNS. If it’s missing, you can contact our support center for further assistance.

Adding DMARC Record in DirectAdmin

DMARC is also a TXT record.

1. Go back to DNS Management
2. Click Add Record
3. Select TXT Record
4. In Name field, put: _dmarc
5. In Value, enter this safe starter policy: v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:[email protected];

• p=quarantine → suspicious emails go to spam
• rua=mailto: → where reports will be sent

If you want a stricter policy later, you can change:

• p=quarantine → softer
• p=reject → strict
• p=none → monitoring only

For beginners, quarantine is usually the best.

6. Save All Changes

Click add to apply your records. Your SPF, DKIM, and DMARC may take:

• 5–30 minutes to start working
• Up to 24 hours to fully propagate

This delay is normal.

How to Check If Everything Is Working

You can test your DNS using:

• DNSChecker.org
• MXToolbox.com
• WhatsmyDNS.net

Check:

• SPF
• DKIM
• DMARC

Once they all show correctly, your domain is authenticated and email delivery becomes much more reliable.

Conclusion

Setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC in DirectAdmin is one of the best things you can do for your email deliverability and domain security. Once these records are correctly added, your emails become more trustworthy, more secure, and far more likely to land in the inbox instead of the spam folder.

FAQs

1. Do I need all three — SPF, DKIM, and DMARC?

Yes. They work together to protect your email and improve deliverability.

2. How long does DNS propagation take?

Usually a few minutes, but globally up to 24 hours.

3. Why are my emails still going to spam?

Your SPF or DKIM might be incorrect, or your domain reputation is low. Give it time.

4. Can I use multiple SPF records?

No — only one SPF record is allowed. Combine everything into one.

5. Does DKIM need renewal?

No, once enabled in DirectAdmin, it stays active unless removed.