What is DKIM?

DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) is an email authentication protocol that helps prove an email actually came from your domain and wasn’t altered in transit. Think of DKIM like a digital signature or tamper-evident seal added to every email you send. It’s not visible to your readers, but mailbox providers check it behind the scenes.

Here’s how it works in simple terms: when your email server sends a message, it signs parts of that message using a private key tied to your domain. The receiving server then fetches the matching public key from your domain’s DNS records to verify that the signature is valid and that the message hasn’t been changed. If the public key and signature match, the message is authenticated.

Why is it important?

This authentication step matters because, without it, mailbox providers like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo can’t be sure the email really came from you. Emails with valid DKIM signatures are less likely to be marked as spam or phishing attempts, helping improve deliverability and protecting both your brand and your audience.

Mailbox providers use DKIM as part of a broader trust assessment. Emails that consistently pass DKIM checks are more likely to reach the inbox, while messages without valid authentication may be filtered or rejected entirely. DKIM also protects your brand reputation by preventing unauthorized parties from spoofing your domain. Over time, this consistency helps build a strong sender reputation, which directly impacts open rates, engagement, and long-term inbox placement.

How do I verify my account?

At FairyMail, we handle this for you by including DKIM verification as part of your account setup. You don’t need to understand all the technical details, simply click “Verify DKIM” and make sure your sending email address is correctly entered. Once verified, you’re ready to start sending emails to your audience with confidence.