Google Workspace DKIM Problems
DKIM adds a digital signature to outgoing mail so receiving servers can verify the message was not altered and genuinely came from your domain. DKIM problems usually come down to a mismatch between what Google generated and what is actually published in DNS.
Common Causes
- DKIM generated in the Admin console but the resulting TXT record never published in DNS.
- The DKIM record published with a typo, or split incorrectly if the DNS host limits record length.
- DKIM signing not turned on in the Admin console even after the record was published.
- A selector mismatch between what Workspace expects and what was published.
- An old DKIM record from a previous provider still present and conflicting.
Safe Troubleshooting Steps
- Generate the DKIM record from the Admin console under Apps > Gmail > Authenticate email.
- Publish the exact TXT record value at your DNS host, including the full selector name.
- Check with your DNS host whether long TXT records need to be split into quoted segments.
- Return to the Admin console and turn on DKIM signing once the record is confirmed live in DNS.
- Send a test message and check the message headers for a DKIM=pass result.
What Our Support Can Cover
- Reviewing DKIM record accuracy against Admin console values
- Checking DNS host formatting issues with long TXT records
- Confirming DKIM signing is actually enabled
- Interpreting DKIM results from message headers
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my DKIM record so long?
DKIM records contain a public cryptographic key, which is naturally long. Some DNS hosts require splitting these into multiple quoted strings - check your host's documentation for the correct format.
Does DKIM alone stop spoofing?
DKIM verifies message integrity and origin, but it works best alongside SPF and a DMARC policy that tells receiving servers what to do when authentication fails.