SPF, DMARC, and DKIM Setup for Google Workspace with GoDaddy

You must set up the correct DNS records before sending emails if you're using Google Workspace for email and GoDaddy as your domain host. This guide will walk you through the process step by step.

Connecting Your GoDaddy Domain to Google Workspace

To integrate your GoDaddy domain with Google Workspace, follow these instructions:

1. Log in to your Google Workspace Admin Console.

2. Navigate to Account → Domains and select Manage Domains.

3. Click Add a domain and enter your GoDaddy domain name.

4. Choose Secondary domain and click Add domain & start verification.

5. Once verified, Google will automatically create MX records for your domain.

6. Go to Google Workspace → Domains, select your domain, and click Activate Gmail.

7. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your MX records.

After completing these steps, your domain will be ready to send and receive emails through Google Workspace.

Configuring SPF (Sender Policy Framework)

SPF records help prevent email spoofing by verifying that authorized servers send emails from your domain. Google automatically generates an SPF record when you verify your domain, but you should ensure only one SPF record exists in your DNS settings.

Recommended SPF Record for Google Workspace

• Type: TXT

• Host: @

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

If you use multiple email services, modify the SPF value accordingly to include additional mail servers.

Setting Up DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)

DKIM adds a digital signature to your outgoing emails, helping email providers verify their authenticity. Here’s how to configure it in GoDaddy:

1. Open Google Workspace Admin Console.

2. Go to Apps → Google Workspace → Gmail and select Authenticate email.

3. Click Generate New Record (leave default settings).

4. Sign in to your GoDaddy account.

5. Navigate to your domain and click Manage DNS.

6. Click Add under DNS Records and enter the DKIM record details:

   • Type: TXT

   • Host: (Use the value provided by Google Workspace)

   • Value: (Copy the TXT record value from Google)

   • TTL: Default setting

7. Click Save and wait for the changes to take effect.

8. Return to Google Workspace and click Start Authentication to verify DKIM.

Troubleshooting Tip: If Google Workspace shows an error, ensure the DKIM record is correctly saved in GoDaddy and try again after a few minutes.

Adding a DMARC Record in GoDaddy

DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) protects your domain from email spoofing and phishing attacks. To enable DMARC, you need to add a TXT record in your GoDaddy DNS settings.

Steps to Configure DMARC

1. Log in to GoDaddy and navigate to your domain settings.

2. Click Manage DNS and select Add a new record.

3. Enter the following details:

   • Type: TXT

   • Name: _dmarc

   • Value: v=DMARC1; p=none; sp=none; pct=100; rua=mailto:email@yourdomain.com; ri=86400; aspf=s; adkim=s; fo=1

   • TTL: Default or lowest value

4. Click Save and wait for confirmation.

By correctly setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, you enhance your email security, reduce the risk of spoofing, and improve deliverability.

Always periodically check your DNS records to ensure everything remains correctly configured.