How to Set Up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC on Namecheap (Step-by-Step)

Namecheap is a popular domain registrar with a clean DNS management interface. This guide walks you through adding SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records in Namecheap's Advanced DNS panel, step by step.

For background on email authentication, see our Email Deliverability Guide. For the record values specific to your email provider, see our SPF, DKIM, and DMARC setup guide.

Before You Start

You will need:

• Access to your Namecheap account
• Your domain must be using Namecheap BasicDNS or PremiumDNS (if you are using custom nameservers, add records at that provider instead)
• The SPF, DKIM, and DMARC values from your email provider

Run a free MailScore scan first to see what needs fixing.

Step 1: Open Advanced DNS

1. Log in at namecheap.com and go to Domain List
2. Click Manage next to your domain
3. Click the Advanced DNS tab
4. Scroll down to the Host Records section

Step 2: Add Your SPF Record

1. Click Add New Record
2. Select TXT Record from the Type dropdown
3. Set Host to @
4. Paste your SPF value into the Value field
5. Leave TTL as Automatic
6. Click the green checkmark to save, then click Save All Changes at the top of the records list

Example SPF value for Google Workspace:

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all

Only one SPF record per domain. If you already have one, edit it by clicking the pencil icon instead of adding a second. See our setup guide for include values by email provider.

Step 3: Add Your DKIM Records

1. Click Add New Record
2. Select TXT Record (or CNAME Record if your provider specifies CNAME)
3. In the Host field, enter the selector prefix. For Google Workspace, enter google._domainkey. Namecheap appends your domain automatically.
4. Paste the DKIM value into the Value field
5. Click the green checkmark, then Save All Changes

Common DKIM Selectors by Provider

Step 4: Add Your DMARC Record

1. Click Add New Record
2. Select TXT Record
3. Set Host to _dmarc
4. Set Value to: v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc@example.com (use your own email)
5. Click the green checkmark to save

Step 5: Verify Your Setup

Namecheap DNS changes typically propagate within 30 minutes, though full global propagation can take up to 48 hours.

1. Wait 15-30 minutes
2. Run a free MailScore scan on your domain
3. Verify that SPF, DKIM, and DMARC all show as passing

Namecheap-Specific Tips and Common Mistakes

• Check the Mail Settings section. Namecheap has a separate Mail Settings area on the Advanced DNS page (below Host Records). If it is set to "Custom MX" or a specific email provider, it may auto-create MX records that conflict with your setup. If you manage your own email DNS records, set this to Custom MX and manage MX records manually in the Host Records section.
• Namecheap auto-appends the domain. Entering _dmarc in the Host field creates _dmarc.example.com. Do not enter the full domain name.
• BasicDNS is required. If your domain uses custom nameservers (pointing elsewhere), the Advanced DNS panel will be grayed out. You need to manage DNS records at whatever service your nameservers point to.
• Watch for Namecheap's default parking records. New domains may have default "parking page" A records or URL redirect records. These will not interfere with your email DNS records (TXT and CNAME), but clean them up once you have your site set up.
• Long TXT values. Namecheap supports TXT records up to 2048 characters in a single entry, which is enough for most DKIM keys. If your key is longer, your email provider should provide it pre-formatted.
• No trailing period. Do not add a trailing period to hostnames. Namecheap handles FQDN formatting automatically.

Keep Your Records Monitored

Email records break when you change providers or add new sending services. MailScore's monitoring plans (starting at $9/month) catch problems automatically so you do not have to remember to check.