--- title: "How to Configure DKIM for Simplelists | DMARC Report" description: "Learn how to configure DKIM for Simplelists, publish the correct DNS record, verify authentication, and improve email security with SPF and DMARC." image: "https://dmarcreport.com/og/blog/how-to-configure-dkim-for-simplelists.png" canonical: "https://dmarcreport.com/blog/how-to-configure-dkim-for-simplelists/" --- Quick Answer To configure DKIM for Simplelists, obtain the DKIM selector and public key from your Simplelists account, publish them as a DNS TXT record, allow propagation, and send a test email to confirm DKIM passes. Combine DKIM with SPF and DMARC for stronger email authentication. Share [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=undefined%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-configure-dkim-for-simplelists%2F "Share on LinkedIn") [ ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=How%20to%20Configure%20DKIM%20for%20Simplelists&url=undefined%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-configure-dkim-for-simplelists%2F "Share on X/Twitter") [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=undefined%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-configure-dkim-for-simplelists%2F "Share on Facebook") [ ](https://reddit.com/submit?url=undefined%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-configure-dkim-for-simplelists%2F&title=How%20to%20Configure%20DKIM%20for%20Simplelists "Share on Reddit") [ ](mailto:?subject=How%20to%20Configure%20DKIM%20for%20Simplelists&body=Check out this article: undefined%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-configure-dkim-for-simplelists%2F "Share via Email") ![Configure DKIM for Simplelists](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/dmarc-report-1060-1790241534673.jpg) ## Try Our Free DKIM Lookup Auto-discover DKIM selectors for any domain - scan 185 common selectors across all major providers. [ Discover DKIM Selectors → ](/tools/dkim-lookup/) DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) is an important email authentication method that helps verify that messages sent from your domain are legitimate and have not been modified during delivery. When you use Simplelists to distribute email, configuring DKIM can strengthen authentication and help receiving [mail servers](https://www.activecampaign.com/glossary/mail-server) recognize your messages as authorized communications. The setup requires you to obtain the **DKIM information** provided by Simplelists and publish the corresponding public key in your domain’s DNS. Once the DNS record is available, Simplelists can use it to authenticate outgoing messages. ## Getting Your DKIM Information from Simplelists Before adding anything to your DNS, sign in to your Simplelists account and locate the domain configuration area. Follow these steps: 1. Sign in to your Simplelists account. 2. Open **General Settings**. 3. Go to the Domains section. 4. Select the domain you want to configure. 5. Locate the DKIM information displayed for the domain. 6. Copy the DKIM hostname and public-key value provided by Simplelists. The DKIM details are specific to your account and domain, so use the values displayed in your Simplelists dashboard rather than creating a record from a generic example. If your organization sends email through its own **mail infrastructure** instead of Simplelists, you may need to generate a [DKIM key](https://dmarcreport.com/blog/why-are-dkim-keys-important-for-email-deliverability-and-anti-spoofing/) pair through your email system or a DKIM generation tool. In that situation, the private key remains with the sending system, while the public key is published through DNS. ## Add the Simplelists DKIM Record to Your DNS _After obtaining the DKIM information, the next step is to publish the public key through your domain’s DNS provider._ You will need **administrator access** to the [DNS management](https://opensrs.com/blog/what-are-dns-management-services) panel for the domain used with Simplelists. ### Step 1: Sign In to Your DNS Provider Access the control panel where your domain’s DNS records are managed. Depending on your hosting or domain provider, this area may be called DNS Management, [DNS Zone](https://www.digicert.com/blog/what-is-a-dns-zone), Advanced DNS, or something similar.![Dmarc Lookup 6065](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/dmarc-lookup-6065-1790241591932.jpg) ### Step 2: Create a New DNS Record Choose the option to add a new DNS record. Simplelists will indicate which record type should be used. In a typical DKIM configuration, the public key is published as a [TXT record](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TXT%5Frecord). ### Step 3: Enter the DKIM Hostname Copy the hostname or selector supplied by Simplelists into the appropriate **Name**, **Host**, or **Hostname** field. A DKIM hostname generally follows this structure: ``` ._domainkey ``` Your actual selector will be different and should be copied directly from the Simplelists configuration. Be careful with DNS providers that automatically append your domain name. Adding the complete domain when the provider already adds it can result in an incorrect hostname. ### Step 4: Add the DKIM Public Key Paste the DKIM value supplied by Simplelists into the Value or **TXT Data** field. A DKIM public-key record commonly has a structure similar to: ``` v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=YOUR_PUBLIC_KEY ``` Do not replace the key with a sample value. The [public key](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/public-key.asp) must match the key used by Simplelists to sign your messages. ### Step 5: Save the DNS Record Save the new record after checking the hostname, record type, and value. DNS changes are not always visible immediately. Depending on your DNS provider and existing [TTL](https://www.imperva.com/learn/performance/time-to-live-ttl/) settings, you may need to wait before the new DKIM record becomes available across **DNS servers**. ## Allow Time for DNS Updates Once the record has been published, give DNS sufficient time to update. _In some cases, the change becomes visible relatively quickly, while other configurations may require considerably longer._ A delay does not necessarily mean that the record is incorrect. Avoid repeatedly creating new **DKIM records** while waiting for propagation. Instead, verify that the record you originally published matches the information supplied by Simplelists. ## Check Whether the DKIM Record Is Published Correctly After DNS propagation, perform a DKIM lookup using a DKIM validation or [DNS lookup](https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/dns-lookup) tool. Enter the domain and selector associated with your Simplelists configuration. The lookup should return the public key that you published.![Dmarc Record Generator 7074](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/dmarc-record-generator-7074-1790241620985.jpg)If the record cannot be found, check: - Whether the selector was entered correctly - Whether the `_domainkey` portion was included - Whether the DNS record was created under the correct domain - Whether the TXT value was copied completely - Whether your DNS provider automatically adds the domain name - Whether [DNS propagation](https://www.ioriver.io/terms/dns-propagation) is still in progress Correcting a small hostname or key-value error can resolve many DKIM lookup failures. ## Verify DKIM With a Test Email A DNS lookup confirms that the public key is available, but you should also test an actual message sent through Simplelists. Send a test message and inspect its **email authentication** results or message headers. Look for the [DKIM-Signature](https://docs.mapp.com/docs/dkim-signature) information and the authentication result associated with DKIM. _A successful test should show a `dkim=pass` result, indicating that the receiving server was able to retrieve the public key and successfully validate the DKIM signature._ You can also review the message headers for information such as: `dkim=pass` The exact presentation varies between email providers and mail clients. ## Why DKIM Matters for Simplelists Email Simplelists distribute messages on behalf of your domain, so email authentication can help receiving systems establish trust in those messages.![Dmarc Check 8207](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/dmarc-check-8207-1790241673915.jpg)DKIM adds a [cryptographic signature](https://www.swisssign.com/en/blog/digital-signatures-cryptography.html) to [outgoing email](https://experienceleague.adobe.com/en/docs/commerce-on-cloud/user-guide/project/outgoing-emails). The receiving mail server can use the public key stored in DNS to check that signature. This provides two important benefits: - **Message integrity:** The signature helps detect unauthorized changes to signed portions of an email. - **Domain authentication:** The receiving system can verify the domain associated with the DKIM signature. DKIM is particularly useful when combined with SPF and DMARC. These authentication standards address different aspects of [email security](https://dmarcreport.com/blog/best-email-security-services-for-protecting-businesses-from-phishing/) and can work together to reduce the risk of domain impersonation and improve authentication visibility. ## DKIM and DMARC Alignment Publishing a DKIM record is only one part of an effective email authentication strategy. For DMARC to pass through DKIM, the domain identified in the DKIM signature needs to align with the domain used in the visible From address according to the applicable **DMARC alignment** rules. Therefore, after configuring Simplelists, it is useful to check an actual message rather than relying solely on the presence of a DNS record. _When the DKIM-signing domain is properly aligned with the visible From domain, a successful authentication check may show both DKIM and DMARC passing._ ## Common DKIM Configuration Problems ![Dmarc Record 3039](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/dmarc-record-3039-1790241703548.jpg)If Simplelists messages are not passing DKIM authentication, review the configuration carefully. - **Incorrect Selector:** A DKIM selector identifies the public key associated with a signature. If the selector published in DNS does not correspond to the **selector used by Simplelists**, the receiving server will not find the correct key. - **Typographical Errors:** Even a single missing or altered character in the DKIM hostname or public key can cause authentication to fail. Copy the values directly from Simplelists whenever possible. - **Incorrect Record Type:** Make sure the [DNS record](https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/dns-records) type matches the instructions provided by Simplelists. If the service specifies a TXT record, do not substitute another record type without a specific reason. - **Duplicate Domain Name:** Some DNS management systems automatically append the domain to the hostname you enter. If you enter the full domain unnecessarily, you may accidentally create a record under an incorrect name. - **DNS Propagation Delay:** A newly created or modified record may not be available everywhere immediately. Allow sufficient time before concluding that the configuration has failed. - **Wrong Sending Service:** If messages are being sent through a different **email platform** instead of Simplelists, that platform may use a different DKIM selector and public key. Make sure you are testing the service that is actually sending the message.![Dmarc Record 6422](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/dmarc-record-6422-1790242269004.jpg) ## Best Practices for Simplelists DKIM For a reliable **DKIM configuration**, keep the following practices in mind: 1. Use the DKIM details supplied specifically for your Simplelists account. 2. Never expose or publish a DKIM [private key](https://www.techtarget.com/cybersecurity/definition/What-is-a-private-key). 3. Publish the public key exactly as provided. 4. Check the selector carefully before saving the DNS record. 5. Confirm that the record is published under the correct domain. 6. Test DKIM after DNS changes become available. 7. Review email headers to confirm successful authentication. 8. Monitor [DMARC reports](https://dmarcreport.com/blog/how-dmarc-report-analysis-helps-stop-phishing-and-spoofing/) when available. 9. Keep track of the email services authorized to send using your domain. 10. Review authentication records periodically and update them when your **email infrastructure** changes. ## Final Thoughts _Setting up DKIM for Simplelists involves obtaining the DKIM information from your Simplelists account, publishing the supplied public key through your domain’s DNS, and confirming that outgoing messages authenticate successfully._ The most important part is ensuring that the selector and public key match the information generated for your **Simplelists configuration**. Once the DNS record is correctly published and the service is signing messages, test an actual email to confirm that DKIM authentication is working. For stronger **domain protection**, consider using DKIM together with SPF and [DMARC](https://dmarcreport.com/). This layered approach gives receiving mail systems additional information for authenticating legitimate messages and identifying potentially unauthorized email. ![Brad Slavin](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/images/team/brad-slavin.jpg) [ Brad Slavin ](/authors/brad-slavin/) General Manager General Manager of DuoCircle. Product strategy and commercial lead for DMARC Report's 2,000+ customer base. [LinkedIn Profile →](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradslavin) ## Take control of your DMARC reports Turn raw XML into actionable dashboards. Start free - no credit card required. [Start Free Trial](https://app.dmarcreport.com/signup?plan=free) [Check Your DMARC Record](/tools/dmarc-checker/) Scan Your Domain Now Instantly scan your domain for DKIM, SPF, and DMARC issues Check My Domain Share this article [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdmarcreport.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-configure-dkim-for-simplelists%2F) [ ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=How%20to%20Configure%20DKIM%20for%20Simplelists&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdmarcreport.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-configure-dkim-for-simplelists%2F) [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdmarcreport.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-configure-dkim-for-simplelists%2F) Copy Related Articles - [ ![10 Critical Learnings From Verizon’s 2021 DBIR - A DMARCReport Perspective](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/images/2022/04/dmarc-alignment-6379.jpg) 10 Critical Learnings From Verizon’s 2021 DBIR - A DMARCReport Perspective Foundational ](/blog/10-critical-learnings-from-verizons-2021-dbir-a-dmarcreport-perspective/) - [ ![10 DNS Blacklist Insights That Improve Email Security And Deliverability Fast](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/images/2022/04/dmarc-alignment-6379.jpg) 10 DNS Blacklist Insights That Improve Email Security And Deliverability Fast Foundational ](/blog/10-dns-blacklist-insights-to-improve-email-security-and-deliverability/) - [ ![10 Email Spoofing Detection Tools That Dramatically Improve Brand Protection](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/images/2022/04/dmarc-alignment-6379.jpg) 10 Email Spoofing Detection Tools That Dramatically Improve Brand Protection Foundational ](/blog/10-email-spoofing-detection-tools-that-dramatically-improve-brand-protection/) - [ ![10 Reasons SPF Filtering Is Critical For Email Security](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/images/2022/04/dmarc-alignment-6379.jpg) 10 Reasons SPF Filtering Is Critical For Email Security Foundational ](/blog/10-reasons-spf-filtering-is-critical-for-email-security/) ## Related Articles [ Foundational 8m 10 Critical Learnings From Verizon’s 2021 DBIR - A DMARCReport Perspective Nov 25, 2025 ](/blog/10-critical-learnings-from-verizons-2021-dbir-a-dmarcreport-perspective/)[ Foundational 12m 10 DNS Blacklist Insights That Improve Email Security And Deliverability Fast Nov 14, 2025 ](/blog/10-dns-blacklist-insights-to-improve-email-security-and-deliverability/)[ Foundational 12m 10 Email Spoofing Detection Tools That Dramatically Improve Brand Protection Nov 11, 2025 ](/blog/10-email-spoofing-detection-tools-that-dramatically-improve-brand-protection/)[ Foundational 12m 10 Reasons SPF Filtering Is Critical For Email Security Nov 19, 2025 ](/blog/10-reasons-spf-filtering-is-critical-for-email-security/) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138898167","name":"DMARC Report","url":"https://dmarcreport.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://dmarcreport.com/images/dmarcreport-logo.png"},"description":"DMARC reporting and email authentication management. 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