How to Add a Domain and Verify DNS Record

Adding and verifying your domain is an essential step to ensure secure and reliable email delivery. This process protects your brand reputation, prevents spoofing, and increases the chances of your emails landing in the inbox instead of spam. This article will guide you through adding your domain, verifying DNS records, and troubleshooting common issues.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What You’ll Need Before You Start
• Step 1: Add Your Domain
• Step 2: Verify Your Domain
  • What DNS Record Types Are Needed & Why
  • Verifying Your Domain from the Menu
  • Checking Your DNS Records
  • Option 1: Auto‑Configure via DNS Provider Integration
  • Option 2: Manual DNS Setup
    • General Setup Guidelines
  • Examples by DNS Provider
• After Verification
• Troubleshooting Common Issues
• Frequently Asked Questions

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before setting up your domain, make sure you have the following in place:

• Access to your DNS provider’s control panel (Cloudflare, GoDaddy, AWS Route 53, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.).

• The domain or subdomain you want to use for sending emails.

• Credentials or permissions to add/edit DNS records.

• A basic understanding of DNS record types (SPF, DKIM, DMARC, CNAME, TXT, MX).

Step 1: Add Your Domain

Adding your domain is the first step toward authentication.

Access Dedicated Domains 

Navigate to Settings > Email Services > Dedicated Domain & IP.

Add Domain

Once you are inside, "Dedicated Domains" menu, Click + Add Domain option at the top right corner.

Add Domain Details

Enter the domain or subdomain you want to use. (We recommend using a subdomain, such as mail.yourdomain.com, for better deliverability.)  Click Add & Verify.

Step 2: Verify Your Domain

Verification ensures your emails are authenticated and trusted by inbox providers. This involves setting up DNS records for your domain.

What DNS Record Types Are Needed & Why

• SPF (Sender Policy Framework): Authorizes which servers can send emails on behalf of your domain.

• DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): Adds a digital signature to your emails to prove they haven’t been altered.

• DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance): Enforces authentication policies and provides reporting on email delivery.

Verifying Your Domain from the Menu

When your domain is added, you can head over to the three-dot menu next to it and click Verify domain. This is a quick way to tell the system, “I’ve set up my DNS records—go ahead and check them now.”

Checking Your DNS Records

After you hit Verify domain, you’ll see a list of all the DNS records your domain needs (SPF, DKIM, CNAME, MX, and DMARC). Each one shows whether it’s verified, and you can use the handy Copy buttons to paste the values into your DNS provider. Once everything checks out, your domain will be marked as verified.

Option 1: Auto‑Configure via DNS Provider Integration

This is the simplest method if your DNS provider is supported.

1. After adding your domain, click Continue.
2. HighLevel will detect your DNS provider (e.g., Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Namecheap).
3. Log in and authorize (Lead Connector) to configure your DNS records automatically.
4. Once completed, your domain will be marked as Verified.

Note: If your DNS provider is unsupported, you’ll be prompted to set up records manually.

Option 2: Manual DNS Setup

If auto‑configure isn’t available, you’ll need to add DNS records manually. HighLevel will provide the exact records you need.

General Setup Guidelines

• Type: Add records as TXT, CNAME, or MX as instructed.

• Name/Host: For root domains, use “@”. For subdomains (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com), enter just the subdomain (e.g., “mail”).

• Value: Copy and paste the values exactly as shown in HighLevel.

• TTL: Set to 5 minutes where possible.

Examples by DNS Provider

Cloudflare

1. Log into Cloudflare.

2. Go to your domain’s DNS settings.

3. Add the records provided by HighLevel (TXT, CNAME, MX).

GoDaddy

1. Log into GoDaddy.

2. Open Domains > Manage DNS.

3. Click Add and enter each record.

AWS Route 53

1. Open the AWS console.

2. Go to Route 53 > Hosted Zones.

3. Create the necessary record sets.

Namecheap

1. Log into Namecheap.

2. Go to Domain List > Manage > Advanced DNS.

3. Add the DNS records from HighLevel.

Google Domains

1. Log into Google Domains.

2. Select your domain and go to DNS settings.

3. Add the DNS records accordingly.

After Verification

Once records are verified:

• SSL Certificate Issued: This may take 1–10 minutes after verification.

• Domain Status: Your domain will show as Verified/Active in HighLevel.

• Test Sending: Send test emails to confirm SPF and DKIM pass in headers.

• Monitor Deliverability: Use DMARC reports and inbox placement testing tools.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If verification fails:

• Double-check that each record matches exactly as provided.

• Ensure you selected the correct record type (TXT, CNAME, MX).

• Verify that Host/Name field is correct (avoid extra “@” or leaving out subdomain).

• Check if TTL is too high—set it to 300 seconds (5 minutes) if possible.

• Be patient: DNS propagation can take longer depending on your provider (sometimes 24–48 hours).

• For DMARC: Ensure only one DMARC record exists per domain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I use a root domain or a subdomain?
We recommend using a subdomain (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com) to protect your root domain’s reputation.

Q: How long does domain verification take?
Typically within 1–10 minutes, but in rare cases, propagation can take up to 24–48 hours.

Q: What if my DNS provider isn’t supported for auto‑configuration?
You can always use the manual setup option by entering the provided records directly into your DNS provider.

Q: Do I need a DMARC record for both my root and subdomain?
If you already have DMARC set on your root domain, you don’t need to add it again for the subdomain.

Q: What happens if I misconfigure SPF or DKIM?
Emails may land in spam or fail authentication checks, reducing deliverability.