Mailchimp Domain Authentication Failed

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

1. 1. Fix the CNAME host name

   Copy steps
   1. If k2._domainkey.example.com becomes k2._domainkey.example.com.example.com, enter only k2._domainkey
   2. Do the same for the second CNAME record
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. 2. Re-check the DMARC TXT record

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   1. Host must be _dmarc
   2. Value must match the one shown in Mailchimp under Points To
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. 3. Wait, then restart

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   1. Allow up to 48 hours for DNS to register
   2. Click Resolve or Restart authentication on the Domains page
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. 4. After changing DNS

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   1. Changing the CNAME records after authenticating can disrupt it
   2. Disable authentication on the Domains page, make the DNS change, then authenticate again
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

The Domains page keeps showing 'Authentication in progress' or an error with Resolve or Restart authentication buttons.

Why it happens

• DNS provider appends your domain to the CNAME name
• DKIM records pasted with trailing characters or wrong values
• DNS change not propagated yet
• Records edited after authentication

This guide also covers

• mailchimp domain authentication failed
• mailchimp dkim not working
• mailchimp authenticate domain error
• mailchimp dmarc

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