Video guide: How to manually authenticate your domain in Namecheap

This guide walks you through how to manually add your DKIM, SPF, and DMARC authentication records in Namecheap to verify your custom domain in Flodesk.

Prefer to skip the manual steps? You can also automatically authenticate your domain using the Entri integration.

Namecheap uses specific field names that are a little different from other providers. Here's a quick reference so you know what maps to what:

Here's how each record type gets added in Namecheap:

Important: Flodesk provides CNAME SPF records, which are not the same as the TXT SPF records that other email service providers may give you. Always add the Flodesk-specific CNAME SPF record as a separate new DNS record. Do not combine it with any existing TXT SPF records.

Important: Your domain can only have one DMARC record. If a DMARC record already exists in your Namecheap DNS settings, skip adding the DMARC record shown in Flodesk. The one Flodesk provides is intended for members who haven't set up a DMARC policy yet.

Video: How to manually authenticate your domain in Namecheap

1. Log in to your Flodesk account.

2. Navigate to My Account > Domain setup.

1. On your domain card, click Authenticate now.

2. Select I'll do it manually.

3. Click Next.

Flodesk will display all the authentication records you need to add. Depending on your account type, you'll see one of the following:

Option A: Five DNS records

• One SPF record

• Three DKIM records (all three must be added)

• One DMARC record

Option B: Three DNS records

• One SPF record

• One DKIM record

• One DMARC record

Repeat the steps below for each record shown in Flodesk (SPF, each DKIM record, and DMARC):

1. In Flodesk, click the Copy button next to the Host value for the record you're adding.

2. In a new browser tab, log in to your Namecheap account and navigate to the Advanced DNS panel for your domain.

3. Click Add New Record.

4. Under the Record Type dropdown, select CNAME Record for SPF and DKIM records, or TXT Record for the DMARC record.

5. Paste the Host value into the Host field.

6. Go back to Flodesk, copy the corresponding Points to value, and paste it into the Target field in Namecheap.

7. Set the TTL to 5 min.

8. Click the Save changes icon (the green checkmark).

9. Repeat for each remaining record.

1. Once all records are added in Namecheap, head back to Flodesk.

2. Click Next, then Done.

Flodesk will begin monitoring your DNS records automatically.

DNS changes don't take effect right away. Here's what to expect:

• Full verification can take up to 48 hours.

• Your domain status will show as Pending in the meantime.

• It's common to see DKIM and DMARC verify first, while SPF can take a little longer. A Partially authenticated status during this window is completely normal.

You don't need to repeat any steps or re-enter records while propagation is in progress.

If your domain isn't verified after 48 hours, review the recommended troubleshooting steps. For additional help, reach out to the Flodesk support team at support@flodesk.com.

What record type should I select for each record in Namecheap?
Select CNAME Record for your SPF and DKIM records, and TXT Record for your DMARC record. You'll find these options in the Record Type dropdown when adding a new record in the Advanced DNS panel.

What TTL should I set in Namecheap?
Set the TTL to 5 min for all records. This is the recommended setting and helps speed up propagation.

I already have a DMARC record in Namecheap. Do I need to add the one from Flodesk?
No. Your domain can only have one DMARC record. If one already exists in your Namecheap DNS settings, skip the DMARC record shown in Flodesk. Adding a second DMARC record can cause conflicts and break authentication.

I already have a TXT SPF record from another provider. Should I replace it with the Flodesk one?
No. Flodesk uses a CNAME SPF record, which works differently from TXT SPF records. Add the Flodesk CNAME SPF record as a separate new record. Do not replace or merge it with any existing TXT SPF records.

Why does my domain show as "Pending" or "Partially authenticated" after I've added all the records?
DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate. DKIM and DMARC typically verify faster, while SPF can take a bit longer. Both statuses are normal during this window. You don't need to redo any steps. Check back after 24 to 48 hours.

My domain still isn't verified after 48 hours. What should I do?
Double-check that each record was entered exactly as shown in Flodesk, with no extra spaces or missing characters. Also confirm the record types are correct: CNAME Record for SPF and DKIM, and TXT Record for DMARC. If everything looks right and verification still hasn't completed, review the recommended troubleshooting steps or reach out to the Flodesk support team at support@flodesk.com.

Can I use automatic authentication instead of doing this manually?
Yes. If you'd rather skip the manual steps, Flodesk's Entri integration can add your DNS records automatically. From your domain card, click Authenticate now and select Automatically authenticate. Learn how to automatically authenticate your domain in Namecheap.