Key takeaways
|
If you’ve ever spotted a “failed” DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) message in Gmail, you know the feeling of panic it brings. While you might think your DKIM is set up correctly, there are several possible reasons that could be causing DKIM failure. Surprisingly, Google’s strict validation is ultimately a positive development for email security.
Table of contents
- What is DKIM? A quick refresher
- Why DKIM fails
- Why a stricter Google is good for email
- How to check your DKIM record
What is DKIM? A quick refresher
DKIM is a method that applies a digital signature to verify that an email is authorized by the domain that signed it and that its content has not been altered after signing. DKIM intentionally separates the identity of the signer from the visible “From” author domain.
This method helps email providers, like Gmail, confirm the sender’s identity and prevents threat actors from impersonating your brand. It builds trust with your recipients and improves email deliverability. A special DKIM record, stored in your domain’s settings, contains a public key that helps email servers verify this signature.
Why DKIM fails
Google could be failing your DKIM for various reasons:
- Your DKIM might not be set up correctly.
- Sent messages are not passing DKIM authentication checks.
- Message forwarding can alter email content, invalidating the DKIM signature.
- Poor email sending practices can land DKIM-signed emails in spam folders.
- Your domain provider’s TXT record character limits might truncate or disorder your DKIM key.
- Having too many DKIM signatures can lead to the authenticating signature being ignored by receivers like Gmail.
- Receiving email servers might reject valid DKIM-signed messages for their own reasons. You might need to contact the administrator.
- Using the DKIM length tag (l=) can introduce vulnerabilities and cause failures if you’re not using Google Workspace for email.
Why a stricter Google is good for email
Google’s stricter approach benefits the entire email ecosystem. It directly combats activities like phishing and email spoofing, and it prevents unauthorized parties from impersonating legitimate brands. Stronger safeguards protect your business reputation and subscribers from fraudulent messages. Recipients can feel more confident that the emails they receive are genuinely from the senders they expect them from.
With stronger authentication rules, Google contributes to a much more reliable and trustworthy inbox experience for everyone.
How to check your DKIM record
Understanding the status of your DKIM record is essential for the best email performance. Instead of a stand-alone DKIM checker, which offers limited uses, check out Deliverability in Litmus. It includes an assessment of your DKIM settings as part of its deliverability and infrastructure checks.
Within the Litmus report, you will find information detailing your DKIM record’s status. The primary point of review is to confirm that the domain specified in your DKIM record corresponds precisely with the domain in your email’s visible “from” address. This alignment supports DMARC authentication, which is necessary to prevent the “failed” messages from appearing for recipients.
Stop stressing about email deliverability
Litmus takes the guesswork out of email deliverability thanks to their industry-leading deliverability insights and infrastructure checks.
Stop stressing about email deliverability
Learn the key factors affecting email deliverability. Implement best practices to ensure your messages reach the inbox every time.
Kayla Voigt is a B2B Freelance Writer.
