Understand the authentication failureChange only what needs fixingRecheck after the update
Check your email setup.
Enter a domain to inspect its public MX, SPF and DMARC records. DKIM needs the selector and signing domain from a real message or your sending provider. Pasting headers can fill these in and show reported authentication results. This checks configuration, not inbox placement or a particular message.
Results
What should you check first?
These records do different jobs. A passing result for one does not mean the others are working.
SPF
Who can send?
SPF lets a receiving server check whether an IP address is authorised to send for the envelope sender domain. That domain may differ from the visible From address.
Check for more than one SPF record at the same DNS name, missing sending services and too many DNS lookups during evaluation. Several unrelated TXT records are normal; multiple records beginning with v=spf1 are the problem.
Keep a list of legitimate senders before merging or replacing an SPF record.
DKIM
Is the message signed?
DKIM uses a signature on the message and a public key published in DNS. Your sending service creates the signature; publishing a DNS record alone does not enable signing.
A check needs the signing domain and selector. Find d= and s= in a message's DKIM-Signature header, or use the values supplied by your email provider.
An unknown selector means DKIM has not been checked. It does not prove DKIM is missing.
DMARC
Does the identity match?
DMARC checks whether the visible From domain aligns with a domain that passes SPF or DKIM. A message can pass SPF for another domain and still fail DMARC.
Look up the record at _dmarc.yourdomain.com. A monitoring policy of p=none is valid. Moving straight to p=reject can disrupt legitimate mail if the senders are not ready.
Check alignment and all legitimate senders before tightening a DMARC policy.
Authentication is one part of delivery. Reputation, complaints, message content and recipient filtering also affect where an email lands.
Match the error to the next check.
What you see
Where to start
Multiple SPF records
Identify every authorised sender. Build one valid SPF record for that DNS name without dropping services you still use.
SPF permerror
Read the full error. Check syntax, duplicate SPF records and the lookup limit before deciding on a fix.
DKIM record not found
Confirm the provider's selector and signing domain. A lookup using the wrong selector cannot establish whether DKIM is configured.
DMARC fails, SPF passes
Compare the envelope sender domain with the visible From domain. Also check whether an aligned DKIM signature passes.
Gmail error 5.7.26
Read the complete bounce: this code covers authentication and policy failures. Check the specific reason Google reports and the affected sender.
A check. A clear fix. A recheck.
The configuration check is available above. The paid fix workflow is not open yet.
AVAILABLE ABOVE
Email Setup Check
Free
Find configuration errors before paying for a fix.
Check MX, SPF and DMARC for one domain.
Look up DKIM when you provide a selector.
See confirmed errors, warnings and items that could not be checked.
Results stay in your browser session; no account is required.
PLANNED LAUNCH OFFER
Email Fix Pack
$5 USD · one time
A specific set of changes for a supported setup.
One domain and up to three supported sending services.
DNS records before and after, with instructions for applying the changes yourself or with our assistance (if access granted).
Three rechecks within seven days of purchase.
We'll confirm that your issue is supported before offering payment. Inbox placement is not guaranteed.
The planned $5 offer will run for the first 30 days after the paid service launches. Exact dates will be shown when checkout opens. Payments are not being accepted yet.
A few useful distinctions
Before you chase a perfect score.
A useful diagnosis tells you what failed, what is still unknown and what to do next.
Will fixing SPF, DKIM and DMARC stop emails going to spam?
It can resolve authentication failures, but it cannot guarantee inbox placement. Sending reputation, complaints, content and the recipient's filters still matter. A DNS check cannot tell you where a particular message was delivered.
Is a DMARC policy of p=none an error?
No. It is a valid monitoring policy. Whether it is suitable depends on your goal and the requirements that apply to your sending. Check your legitimate senders and alignment before moving to a stricter policy.
Can you check DKIM with only a domain name?
Not comprehensively. DKIM keys are published under selectors chosen by sending services. A reliable lookup needs the selector and signing domain. Verifying a signature also needs the original message.
Should I paste a new SPF record over the old one?
First inventory all services that send from the affected domain. A replacement that authorises one service but removes another can cause new failures. Preserve the previous record so you can review or roll back the change.
Will MailFixIt change my DNS automatically?
The planned first Fix Pack gives you the proposed records and provider-specific instructions. You can apply the changes in your own DNS account, or request our assistance if you grant temporary, least-privilege access to the relevant DNS zone. Automatic unattended DNS changes are not part of this initial offer.
How should I provide DNS access for assistance?
Use your DNS provider's delegated user or API token, limited to the relevant zone and DNS-record changes. Do not share your registrar password, account-wide credentials or a token with unrelated permissions. Grant access only after the package scope is confirmed, and revoke or delete the delegated access as soon as the changes are complete.
For the underlying requirements, see the original specifications and Google's guidance. The checker reads public DNS; it does not verify a particular message or promise inbox delivery.