HostGator uses standard cPanel authentication tools, so everything is done inside Email Deliverability and Zone Editor.

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1. Log Into cPanel #

1. Go to your HostGator cPanel login URL
   (usually https://yourdomain.com/cpanel or through the HostGator portal)
2. Enter your username and password.

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2. Open “Email Deliverability” #

1. In cPanel, scroll down to the Email section.
2. Click Email Deliverability.

Here you’ll see:

• DKIM status
• SPF status
• Any DNS issues
• Buttons to “Repair” or “Manage” DNS records

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3. Enable and Configure DKIM #

HostGator normally pre-configures DKIM automatically for new accounts.

To check or enable: #

1. Under Email Deliverability, find your domain.
2. Click Manage.
3. Look for the DKIM section.
4. If DKIM is not active, you’ll see a recommended DNS record.
5. Click Install the Suggested Record or Repair.

This adds a DNS TXT record similar to:

default._domainkey.yourdomain.com  
TXT: (long DKIM public key)

DKIM is now active. #

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4. Enable and Configure SPF #

In the same Manage screen:

1. Scroll to SPF.
2. Click Install the Suggested Record or Repair.

HostGator’s default SPF looks like:

v=spf1 a mx include:websitewelcome.com ~all

If you’re using an external mailer (SMTP.com, SendGrid, Mailgun, etc.) #

Add them to SPF, for example:

v=spf1 a mx include:websitewelcome.com include:sendgrid.net ~all

Or replace/adjust based on your provider’s instructions.

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5. Add DMARC Using the Zone Editor #

HostGator does NOT add DMARC automatically. You must create it manually.

Steps: #

1. Go back to cPanel Home.
2. Go to Zone Editor.
3. Find your domain → click Manage.
4. Click + Add Record → select Add TXT Record.

Enter your DMARC record: #

Name:

_dmarc.yourdomain.com

TTL: leave default (usually 14400)

Type: TXT

Record:

v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:postmaster@yourdomain.com; ruf=mailto:postmaster@yourdomain.com; fo=1

What this record does: #

• p=none → monitoring mode only (safest to start)
• rua / ruf → sends reports
• fo=1 → generates forensic reports on failures

After 1–2 weeks, increase enforcement: #

Quarantine mode:

v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; pct=100; rua=mailto:postmaster@yourdomain.com

Full enforcement (prevents spoofing):

v=DMARC1; p=reject; pct=100; rua=mailto:postmaster@yourdomain.com

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6. Wait for DNS Propagation #

DNS changes take:

• 5–30 minutes (fast hosting)
• Up to 24 hours (internet-wide)

You can check authentication status using:

• Google Admin Toolbox: https://toolbox.googleapps.com/apps/dig/
• MXToolbox: https://mxtoolbox.com

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7. Test Your Setup #

Send an email from your domain to:

Gmail #

Then click:
⋮ → Show original

Look for:
✔ SPF: PASS
✔ DKIM: PASS
✔ DMARC: PASS

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Quick Summary (Copy/Paste Checklist) #

✔ Enable DKIM in Email Deliverability #

✔ Enable SPF in Email Deliverability #

✔ Add a DMARC TXT record in Zone Editor #

✔ Verify via Gmail “Show Original” #

✔ Wait for DNS propagation #