How to Set Up DKIM for cPanel/WHM

Enable DKIM signing on your cPanel-hosted server using the built-in Email Deliverability tool or WHM.

Quick Answer — The Record You Need

Record Type

TXT

Host / Name

default._domainkey

Value

v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=AUTO_GENERATED_BY_CPANEL

cPanel auto-generates DKIM keys. The default selector is "default". Use the Email Deliverability tool to manage it.

Step-by-Step Setup

Log in to cPanel

Access your cPanel account.

Open Email Deliverability

Navigate to Email > Email Deliverability.

Check DKIM status

The tool shows whether DKIM is configured for your domain. If not, it offers to generate and install the key.

Generate and install DKIM

Click "Manage" or "Repair" to auto-generate a DKIM key pair. cPanel creates the private key on the server and publishes the public key in DNS.

default._domainkey.yourdomain.com  TXT  "v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=MIIBIjANB..."

Verify

Send a test email and check the headers for a DKIM-Signature with s=default and a pass result.

Common Gotchas

cPanel uses "default" as the DKIM selector. This is standard for cPanel/Exim setups.
DKIM requires the Exim mail server to be configured for signing. In WHM, check Service Configuration > Exim Configuration Manager > DKIM.
If cPanel manages your DNS, the DKIM record is added automatically. If DNS is managed externally, you need to copy the TXT record to your DNS provider.

Verify Your Setup

After adding your DNS records, use our free DKIM checker to verify everything is configured correctly. DNS changes typically propagate within minutes, but can take up to 48 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What DKIM selector does cPanel use?

cPanel uses "default" as the DKIM selector. The record is published at default._domainkey.yourdomain.com.

Does cPanel auto-generate DKIM keys?

Yes. The Email Deliverability tool in cPanel can auto-generate DKIM key pairs and install the DNS record.

Can I manage DKIM from WHM?

Yes. In WHM, go to Service Configuration > Exim Configuration Manager to enable DKIM signing server-wide.