ActiveCampaign: SPF, DKIM & DMARC Setup Guide
ActiveCampaign's DKIM authentication uses a simple TXT record. Once set up, your emails will pass authentication at every major inbox provider — here's exactly how to configure it.
1SPF Record Setup
Recommended SPF record for ActiveCampaign:
v=spf1 include:emsd1.com ~allActiveCampaign uses the emsd1.com domain for its sending infrastructure. Add this include to your root domain's SPF record. If you send from other services, combine all includes in one SPF record.
Step-by-step setup:
- 1In ActiveCampaign, go to Settings → Advanced → Email Authentication
- 2Find the DKIM and SPF records provided
- 3Add include:emsd1.com to your root domain's SPF TXT record
- 4Also add the DKIM TXT record to your DNS
- 5Verify in ActiveCampaign settings
- 6Test with our SPF checker
2DKIM Setup
Example DKIM record location:
ak1._domainkey.yourdomain.comActiveCampaign provides a TXT record for DKIM. The selector is typically 'ak1' or similar. Add the full TXT value to the provided subdomain in your DNS.
Step-by-step setup:
- 1In ActiveCampaign, go to Settings → Advanced → Email Authentication
- 2Find the DKIM TXT record (selector and public key)
- 3Add the TXT record to your DNS at [selector]._domainkey.yourdomain.com
- 4Click Verify in ActiveCampaign
- 5Allow 24–48 hours for DNS propagation
- 6Test with our DKIM checker
3DMARC Policy
Recommended DMARC record:
v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:dmarc@yourdomain.com; pct=100Add as a TXT record at: _dmarc.yourdomain.com
With ActiveCampaign's DKIM authentication, DMARC will pass via DKIM alignment. Publish your DMARC policy at _dmarc.yourdomain.com.
Common ActiveCampaign Deliverability Issues
ActiveCampaign campaign going to spam
Check that DKIM authentication is verified in ActiveCampaign settings. Review your list for inactive or invalid addresses — high bounce rates hurt sender reputation. Check if your domain is blacklisted.
Authentication shows 'Pending' in ActiveCampaign
DNS propagation takes 24–48 hours. Use our DNS Lookup tool to verify the TXT records are publicly visible, then click Verify again in ActiveCampaign.
Automation emails delivering but campaigns going to spam
Campaign and automation emails use the same sending infrastructure — the difference is usually content or list quality. Review engagement rates on your campaign lists.
Is Your ActiveCampaign Domain Blacklisted?
Authentication passing is necessary — but not sufficient. Check if your sending domain or IP is on any of 60 blacklists. Free, instant, no signup.
Check Your Domain FreeChecks all 60 blacklists + SPF, DKIM, DMARC, MX in under 10 seconds