Mailchimp: SPF, DKIM & DMARC Setup Guide
Mailchimp now requires domain authentication for all senders. Without it, your emails show a 'sent via' notice and lose domain alignment. Here's how to set it up correctly.
1SPF Record Setup
Recommended SPF record for Mailchimp:
v=spf1 include:servers.mcsv.net ~allMailchimp's DKIM authentication method is recommended over manual SPF. When you authenticate your domain in Mailchimp, both SPF and DKIM are handled via CNAME records. The SPF include is only needed for manual setups.
Step-by-step setup:
- 1In Mailchimp, go to Account → Settings → Domains
- 2Click Authenticate Domain next to your sending domain
- 3Mailchimp provides CNAME records for domain authentication
- 4Add these CNAME records to your DNS provider
- 5Return to Mailchimp and click Authenticate
- 6Verify SPF passes with our SPF checker
2DKIM Setup
Example DKIM record location:
k1._domainkey.yourdomain.comMailchimp uses CNAME-based DKIM authentication. The selector is typically 'k1'. Complete the domain authentication flow in Mailchimp to get your specific CNAME values.
Step-by-step setup:
- 1In Mailchimp, go to Account → Settings → Domains
- 2Add and verify your sending domain
- 3Click Authenticate to get CNAME records
- 4Add the CNAME records to your DNS
- 5Wait for propagation and click Verify in Mailchimp
- 6Test with our DKIM checker tool
3DMARC Policy
Recommended DMARC record:
v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:dmarc@yourdomain.com; pct=100Add as a TXT record at: _dmarc.yourdomain.com
DMARC requires SPF or DKIM alignment. Mailchimp's domain authentication sets up DKIM alignment. Once authentication is complete, your DMARC record will evaluate correctly.
Common Mailchimp Deliverability Issues
Emails showing 'sent via mailchimp.com' or 'on behalf of'
This means domain authentication is incomplete. Complete the DKIM/SPF authentication in Mailchimp settings — the CNAME records must propagate and be verified before the notice disappears.
High unsubscribe or spam complaint rates
Review your list hygiene. Mailchimp suspends accounts with complaint rates above 0.1%. Clean inactive subscribers, use confirmed opt-in, and check that your domain isn't blacklisted.
Mailchimp account suspended
Check your complaint rate and bounce rate in Mailchimp's Audience dashboard. Verify your domain isn't blacklisted. Address the root cause before appealing the suspension.
Emails landing in Gmail Promotions tab
This is normal for bulk email — Gmail categorizes marketing emails here. Focus on engagement metrics rather than tab placement. Ensure authentication passes so emails aren't moved to Spam.
Is Your Mailchimp 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