Before you start: confirm Namecheap is your DNS host
Records only work where your nameservers point. Namecheap's steps apply to domains on Namecheap BasicDNS, PremiumDNS or FreeDNS; if the domain uses Namecheap Web Hosting DNS, add the records in cPanel instead. [1] MailerLite gives the same warning from its side: if records do not propagate after 24 to 48 hours, check that you added them to the platform that actually manages your DNS. [3]
Open your email tool's domain settings in another tab and keep its record list visible. Copy each Name and Value from there; MailerLite notes its records cannot be modified on its side, so they must match exactly. [3]
Step by step in Namecheap Advanced DNS
The click path is the same for TXT and CNAME records. [1] [2]
- Sign in and choose Domain List in the left menu.
- Click Manage next to the domain.
- Open the Advanced DNS tab and click Add New Record.
- Choose TXT Record or CNAME Record, as your email tool specifies.
- Type the Host as the part before your domain only (see the table below).
- Paste the Value. For a CNAME, the target must be a fully qualified domain name. [2]
- For CNAME records Namecheap suggests the minimum TTL available. [2]
- Click Save All Changes, then repeat for each record.
What goes in Host and Value
Namecheap adds your domain to the Host automatically, so you enter only the prefix. [1] The example values below are placeholders; always use the exact values your email tool shows.
| Record | Type | Host in Namecheap | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPF | TXT | @ | Your single v=spf1 record, with the new service added | One SPF record per domain [4] |
| DKIM key | TXT | selector._domainkey (for example 3434._domainkey) [1] | The v=DKIM1 key string from your tool | Namecheap supports 1024 and 2048-bit keys [1] |
| DKIM via CNAME (MailerLite and others) | CNAME | The prefix your tool shows | The target hostname your tool shows | MailerLite asks for DKIM as a CNAME [3] |
| Domain verification | TXT | The prefix your tool shows | The verification string | MailerLite asks for this as a TXT [3] |
| DMARC | TXT | _dmarc | v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc@yourdomain | Start at p=none with reports [5] |
Common copy-paste mistakes
Most verification failures come from one of these. Each is fixable in a minute once you know to look.
- Domain typed twice: entering selector._domainkey.yourdomain.com in Host creates selector._domainkey.yourdomain.com.yourdomain.com. Enter only the prefix. [1] [2]
- Second SPF record: adding a new v=spf1 TXT instead of editing the existing one. Merge into one record. [4]
- CNAME conflict: another CNAME, URL Redirect, ALIAS or A record already exists on the same Host. Remove it first. [2]
- CNAME on @: Namecheap warns not to set a CNAME on the bare domain because it can affect MX records and email. [2]
- Wrong type: pasting a CNAME target into a TXT record or the reverse. Match the type your tool lists. [3]
- Extra characters: quotation marks, trailing spaces or a line break copied from a PDF or email. Paste into a plain-text editor first.
- Wrong DNS host: records added at Namecheap while nameservers point to Cloudflare or a web host. [1] [3]
Check propagation and verification
Namecheap says changes normally take about 30 minutes to be accepted. [1] [2] MailerLite allows up to 24 hours for servers to update, and suggests checking the DNS provider if records still do not show after 24 to 48 hours. [3] Google gives 24 to 48 hours for SPF changes to take effect globally. [4]
To check yourself, query the exact name (for example _dmarc.yourdomain.com with dig or nslookup, type TXT) and compare the returned value character by character with your email tool. Then click verify in the tool. Once DMARC is live, send reports to a dedicated mailbox or group rather than your own inbox; Google warns the volume can be high. [5]
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Lookup returns nothing after an hour | Wrong DNS host or Host field typo | Confirm nameservers; re-check Host prefix [1] |
| Lookup shows two v=spf1 records | New SPF added instead of merged | Delete one; merge mechanisms [4] |
| Namecheap refuses the CNAME | Existing record on same Host | Remove the conflicting record [2] |
| Tool still says unverified after 48 hours | Value mismatch or wrong record type | Re-copy from the tool; match type exactly [3] |
Questions before you decide
Should I type my domain name in the Host field?
No. Namecheap says not to include the domain name in Host, even if your provider's instructions show it; Namecheap adds it automatically.
Why can't I add a CNAME record?
Namecheap says a CNAME blocks any other record on the same Host. Remove a conflicting CNAME, URL Redirect, ALIAS or A record on that Host first, and never put a CNAME on the bare domain (@), because it can break MX records and email.
I already have an SPF record. Do I add another?
No. Google says each domain can have only one SPF record. Add the new service to your existing record instead.
Why do my Namecheap records do nothing?
Namecheap's instructions apply when the domain uses BasicDNS, PremiumDNS or FreeDNS. If the domain points to Namecheap Web Hosting DNS, add the records in cPanel; if it points elsewhere, add them where the nameservers point.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- Namecheap: How do I add TXT/SPF/DKIM/DMARC records for my domain? Accessed 29 Oct 2026
- Namecheap: How to create a CNAME record for your domain Accessed 29 Oct 2026
- MailerLite Help: How to verify and authenticate your domain Accessed 29 Oct 2026
- Google Workspace Admin Help: Troubleshoot SPF issues Accessed 29 Oct 2026
- Google Workspace Admin Help: Set up DMARC Accessed 29 Oct 2026
Sources link directly to providers. Product buttons may use separately labeled affiliate links. Read our disclosure.