How to authenticate your domain on Mailchimp

intermediate 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18

Quick Answer

Domain authentication on Mailchimp involves adding DNS records to verify domain ownership and improve email deliverability. This process requires adding CNAME and TXT records provided by Mailchimp to your domain's DNS settings.

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Prerequisites

Active Mailchimp account
Domain ownership or administrative access
Access to your domain's DNS settings
Basic understanding of DNS records

Step-by-Step Instructions

Navigate to Domain Authentication Settings

Log into your Mailchimp account and click on your profile icon in the top-right corner. Select Account from the dropdown menu, then click on Settings. In the left sidebar, locate and click on Domains under the Account section.

If you don't see the Domains option, ensure you have admin privileges on your Mailchimp account.

Add Your Domain

On the Domains page, click the Add Domain button. Enter your domain name in the text field (e.g., yourdomain.com) without including 'www' or 'http'. Click Add Domain to proceed to the verification step.

Only add the root domain - Mailchimp will automatically handle subdomains once the root is verified.

Choose Authentication Method

Mailchimp will present you with DNS records to add to your domain. You'll see both CNAME records for email authentication and a TXT record for domain verification. Copy these records exactly as shown - they typically include entries for DKIM authentication and domain verification.

Keep this Mailchimp page open while you configure DNS settings, as you'll need to reference these exact values.

Access Your Domain's DNS Settings

Log into your domain registrar or DNS hosting provider (such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, or your web host). Navigate to the DNS management section, which may be labeled as DNS Records, DNS Zone Editor, or Advanced DNS.

If you're unsure where your DNS is managed, use a WHOIS lookup tool to identify your domain's nameservers.

Add the DNS Records

Create new DNS records using the information from Mailchimp:

Add the TXT record with the name/host field and value exactly as provided
Add each CNAME record with their respective names and values
Set TTL to 3600 (1 hour) or use your provider's default

Save all changes after adding each record.

Some DNS providers require you to omit your domain name from the record name if it's automatically appended.

Verify Domain Authentication

Return to your Mailchimp Domains page and click Verify Domain next to your domain. Mailchimp will check your DNS records and display the verification status. If successful, you'll see a green checkmark and Verified status.

DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours, but typically completes within 15-30 minutes.

Configure Email Authentication Settings

Once verified, click on your domain name to access additional settings. Enable DKIM Authentication and Email Authentication if they're not already active. Review the Sender Policy Framework (SPF) settings and ensure your domain's SPF record includes Mailchimp's servers.

Proper authentication significantly improves email deliverability and reduces the likelihood of emails being marked as spam.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

DNS records not verifying after 24 hours

Check that DNS records were entered exactly as provided by Mailchimp. Use a DNS lookup tool like dig or online DNS checkers to verify the records are properly propagated. Contact your DNS provider if records appear correct but aren't being recognized.

CNAME record conflicts with existing records

Remove any existing CNAME records that conflict with the Mailchimp-provided records. Each CNAME record name must be unique. If you have essential existing records, contact Mailchimp support for alternative authentication methods.

Domain shows 'Pending' status indefinitely

Ensure you have proper administrative access to modify DNS records. Verify that all required records (both CNAME and TXT) have been added correctly. Try clicking Verify Domain again after confirming DNS changes are live.

Authentication works but emails still go to spam

Domain authentication alone doesn't guarantee inbox delivery. Ensure your SPF record includes include:servers.mcsv.net, maintain good sender reputation, and follow email marketing best practices including proper list hygiene and engaging content.

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