How to Fix “No DMARC Record Found”?

Email security is essential in today’s digital landscape, where cyber threats are constantly evolving. One of the most crucial email security measures is DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance). However, many domain owners encounter the issue of “No DMARC Record Found.” This problem indicates that the domain lacks a published DMARC record, making it vulnerable to phishing and spoofing attacks.

In this blog, we will discuss how to fix the “No DMARC Record Found” issue, understand why it happens, and ensure your domain is fully protected.

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What Does “No DMARC Record Found” Mean?

When performing a DMARC Record Lookup, if you see the message “No DMARC Record Found”, it means your domain does not have a DMARC policy set up. Without a DMARC record, your emails are more likely to be misused by cybercriminals for phishing and spoofing attacks.

A DMARC record is a TXT record added to the Domain Name System (DNS) that helps prevent unauthorized use of your domain in email communications. It works alongside SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) to verify the authenticity of incoming and outgoing emails.

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Why Does “No DMARC Record Found” Occur?

There are several reasons why you might receive this error:

1. No DMARC Record Published

• Your domain does not have a DMARC record in the DNS.
• Without a DMARC policy, email servers cannot authenticate your emails properly.

2. Incorrect DMARC Record Configuration

• A DMARC record may exist but is misconfigured.
• Mistakes in syntax, policy tags, or values can cause the DMARC policy to be unreadable.

3. Propagation Delay in DNS

• When you add a DMARC record, it takes some time to propagate.
• If you check immediately after adding the record, you might still see “No DMARC Record Found.”

4. Typographical Errors in DNS Entry

• Even a small typo in the DMARC record can make it ineffective.
• Example: Missing semicolons (;) or incorrect alignment of policies.

5. Issues with DNS Provider

• Some DNS hosting services may not support TXT records correctly.
• Incorrect TTL (Time-To-Live) settings can delay the record’s effectiveness.

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How to Fix the “No DMARC Record Found” Issue?

Step 1: Perform a DMARC Record Lookup

Before making any changes, confirm whether your domain truly lacks a DMARC record.

You can use online tools like:

• Google Admin Toolbox
• MXToolbox DMARC Lookup
• GoDMARC’s DMARC Record Checker

Simply enter your domain and check if a DMARC record exists.

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Step 2: Create a DMARC Record

If no record is found, you need to create one. A basic DMARC record looks like this:

txtCopyEditv=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected]; ruf=mailto:[email protected]; fo=1

Breaking Down the DMARC Record Components:

• v=DMARC1 → Specifies the DMARC version.
• p=none → Sets the DMARC policy (none, quarantine, or reject).
• rua=mailto:[email protected] → Defines the email where aggregate reports will be sent.
• ruf=mailto:[email protected] → Defines the email where failure reports will be sent.
• fo=1 → Requests detailed failure reports for debugging.

You can modify the policy depending on your requirements:

• p=none → Just monitors emails but does not enforce any actions.
• p=quarantine → Suspicious emails go to spam.
• p=reject → Blocks unauthorized emails completely.

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Step 3: Add the DMARC Record to Your DNS

Once you have created the record, you need to add it to your domain’s DNS settings.

How to Add a DMARC Record in Popular DNS Providers?

For GoDaddy:

1. Log in to your GoDaddy account.
2. Navigate to My Products → Domains and select your domain.
3. Go to Manage DNS → Add a new record.
4. Choose TXT Record and enter:
   • Host: _dmarc
   • Value: Paste your DMARC record
   • TTL: Set to 1 hour
5. Save the changes.

For Cloudflare:

1. Log in to Cloudflare.
2. Go to DNS Settings for your domain.
3. Click on Add Record and select TXT Record.
4. Enter _dmarc in the Name field.
5. Paste your DMARC record in the Content field.
6. Set TTL to Auto and save.

For cPanel Users:

1. Log in to cPanel.
2. Go to Zone Editor under Domains.
3. Click Manage and then Add a TXT Record.
4. Set _dmarc as the Name and paste your record in the Value field.
5. Click Save and wait for propagation.

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Step 4: Verify DMARC Record Propagation

After adding the DMARC record, it takes a few hours (sometimes up to 48 hours) to propagate globally.

You can verify the changes by using DMARC Record Lookup tools again. If the record appears correctly, your domain is now protected!

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Step 5: Monitor and Adjust Your DMARC Policy

Once your DMARC record is active, you should regularly monitor reports to adjust your settings.

• Start with p=none to monitor email flow.
• Move to p=quarantine to test enforcement.
• Finally, apply p=reject to block fraudulent emails completely.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid While Fixing DMARC Issues

❌ Using Incorrect Syntax

A misplaced character can break the DMARC record. Always use a DMARC record generator to avoid mistakes.

❌ Setting DMARC Policy to Reject Immediately

If you set p=reject without testing, it might block legitimate emails. Always start with p=none.

❌ Not Setting Up Reporting (RUA & RUF)

Without reports, you won’t know if your DMARC implementation is working correctly.

❌ Forgetting SPF and DKIM Configuration

DMARC works best with SPF and DKIM. Make sure these records are also correctly set up.

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Final Thoughts

Fixing the “No DMARC Record Found” issue is critical for securing your domain from phishing and email spoofing. By following these steps:

1. Check for an existing DMARC record using DMARC Record Lookup tools.
2. Create a valid DMARC record using the correct syntax.
3. Add the record to your DNS settings and verify its propagation.
4. Monitor reports and gradually strengthen your policy.

Implementing DMARC ensures better email security, protects your brand reputation, and improves email deliverability.

Secure your domain today and prevent email fraud effectively! 🚀