Wait for propagation first
DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate globally, though most providers update within an hour. If you added the records recently, wait at least 30 minutes before concluding something is wrong.
Check the record values are copied exactly
The setup page shows the exact name, type, and value for each record. Copy-paste from there — don't retype. Common mistakes:
- Extra space at the start or end of a value
- Missing trailing dot (some DNS providers require it on hostnames, others add it automatically)
- Wrong record type (TXT vs MX, for example)
- Name field includes the full domain when it should only be the subdomain prefix
Check the name field format
Different DNS providers format the name field differently. Some expect just the prefix (e.g. _dmarc), others want the full hostname (_dmarc.yourdomain.com). If the record isn't verifying, try the other format.
Check for duplicate records
If you previously attempted setup and added records, then changed something and added them again, you may have duplicate entries. Check your DNS provider for duplicate MX, SPF, or DKIM records and remove the old ones.
SPF in particular can only have one TXT record starting with v=spf1. If you have two, merge them or delete the old one.
The domain is using Cloudflare
If your domain is proxied through Cloudflare (orange cloud), MX and TXT records should work fine — but make sure they're not proxied (grey cloud). MX records shouldn't be proxied.
Subdomain — did you add the MX record at the right level?
For subdomains, the MX record name should match the subdomain itself, not the root domain. For mail.yourdomain.com, the MX record name should be mail, not @ or yourdomain.com.
Still not verifying?
If you've checked all of the above and the records look correct in your DNS provider but still fail verification, contact support with:
- Your domain name
- Your DNS provider
- A screenshot of the records as they appear in your DNS settings