A Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for MailerLite
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Last Updated: Reading Time: 5 min
Key Takeaways
- SPF, DKIM, and DMARC protect your MailerLite domain from phishing, spoofing, and unauthorized use, while boosting your email deliverability.
- MailerLite provides SPF and DKIM records automatically after you add and authenticate your domain. You can publish them manually or via automatic DNS detection.
- DMARC must be created manually in your DNS settings; start with a p=none policy for monitoring, then move to enforcement (p=reject) for full protection.
- Validation is essential: Once DNS records are added, return to MailerLite to verify authentication status and ensure records are active.
- Use tools like PowerDMARC to monitor authentication, analyze reports, and maintain ongoing protection for your domain.
Configuring SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records for your MailerLite sending domain strengthens its email authentication and reputation. These settings protect your brand from spoofing, increase inbox placement, and ensure compliance with requirements from major email providers like Google and Microsoft.
How to Configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC in MailerLite
Step 1: Access Your Domain’s Configuration in MailerLite
First, you need to add your sending domain to your MailerLite account to get the required records.
1. Log into your MailerLite account.
2. From your dashboard, navigate to Account Settings.
3. Click on Domains and add your email-sending domain.
4. Hit Save.
5. Once the domain is registered, find it in the list and click Authenticate
Step 2: Set Up MailerLite SPF and DKIM Records
MailerLite will now provide you with the necessary SPF and DKIM records. You have two potential paths depending on your DNS provider.
Method A: Automatic Setup (If MailerLite Detects Your DNS)
1. After clicking “Authenticate,” MailerLite will try to detect your DNS provider (e.g., Namecheap, GoDaddy).
2. If detected, you will see an option to automatically publish the required SPF and DKIM records.
3. A login portal for your provider may appear. Follow the on-screen steps to log in, verify your provider, and apply the DNS settings automatically.
Method B: Manual Setup (If DNS is Not Detected)
If MailerLite cannot detect your DNS provider, you must add the records manually. MailerLite will display the SPF and DKIM records. Copy the values that MailerLite provides and paste them into your DNS settings.
Important note: If you already have an SPF record, you must modify it to include MailerLite’s record. You should not create a new, separate SPF record.
1. Log in to your DNS management console.
2. Navigate to the Advanced DNS settings.
Step 3: Create a DMARC Record for MailerLite
While MailerLite’s authentication flow focuses on providing SPF and DKIM records, DMARC is a critical third step that you must set up in your DNS.
Note: The MailerLite process does not generate a DMARC record for you. You must create this record manually in your DNS Management Console (the same place you added the SPF/DKIM records).
- Use our DMARC generator tool to create an instant and error-free DMARC record for MailerLite.
- A DMARC record is a TXT record with the Host _dmarc. A simple “p=none” policy to start with might look like this for the Value:
You would change the email address to one where you want to receive reports.
Keep in mind that the p=none policy is only for monitoring only and that it can’t help you protect your domain. If you are just getting started with DMARC, p=none should be your policy of choice to begin with. Down the road, you need a stricter policy (ideally, p=reject) to protect your domain against spoofing and phishing. As you enable DMARC reporting with PowerDMARC, you will be able to have complex XML reports in human-readable charts, which facilitates the transition to p=reject.
Step 4: Validate MailerLite Authentication Records
1. Once the records are added, go back to your MailerLite account settings and click on check status.
2. If everything goes well, you should see an authenticated status next to your sending domain.
Note: DNS changes can sometimes take a few minutes to several hours to take effect.
Step 5: Monitor with PowerDMARC
Once your domain shows as “Authenticated” in MailerLite, you can (and should) verify your entire setup, including the DMARC record you added.
You can use an external tool like PowerDMARC’s domain analyzer.
1. Sign up with PowerDMARC (in case you don’t have an account yet).
2. On the left sidebar, go to Dashboard > Analysis Tools > PowerAnalyzer. Enter the domain and click lookup.
3. If you’ve followed the steps correctly, then you should see valid SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records.
When you properly configure key email authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for MailerLite Mail, you can enjoy:
- Better domain protection against phishing and spoofing
- Improved email deliverability and credibility
- Better visibility into who’s sending on your behalf
Sign up for PowerDMARC’s DMARC management platform and start transforming the quality of your email communications today!
Shift Lead, Infrastructure & Email Security Expert at PowerDMARC
With over 13 years of experience in Cyber Security, Ayan Bhuiya specializes in Infrastructure, Business Continuity, Risk Management, and Email Security. Currently acting as Shift Lead at PowerDMARC. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Networking and Security and has a proven track record of leading strategic security initiatives to mitigate threats and ensure business resilience.
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