DKIM Checker
Record host: selector._domainkey.domain
DNS lookups send the domain (or DKIM/DMARC host name) to this site's DNS API. Format checks for headers run locally in your browser.
How to use
- Enter the signing domain (the d= domain in DKIM-Signature, usually aligned with From:).
- Enter the selector (s= tag from a message header or your DNS panel, e.g. google, default, s1).
- Click Check DKIM to query selector._domainkey.yourdomain for TXT — lookup runs only on button click.
FAQ
How do I find the DKIM selector?
In DNS, look for TXT records under *_domainkey* subdomains. In mail, open raw headers and read s= in DKIM-Signature, or use Email Header Analyzer.
What DNS name does DKIM use?
TXT at {selector}._domainkey.{domain}, for example google._domainkey.example.com.
Why is my selector not found?
Wrong selector, unpublished DNS, propagation delay, or key rotation to a new selector name.
Does this verify signatures on live mail?
No. It confirms the DNS public key record exists and looks well-formed. Signature verification happens at the receiving MTA.
What if p= is empty?
An empty public key often means the domain revoked signing for that selector while keeping the record for a transition period.
Introduction
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) lets receivers verify that message content was signed with a private key whose public half is published in DNS. A DKIM checker confirms that the right selector and public key exist before you chase dkim=fail in mail logs.
Lookups run at {selector}._domainkey.{domain} only when you click Check DKIM.
What is a DKIM DNS record?
DKIM publishes a TXT record containing:
v=DKIM1— versionp=— base64 public key (required for active signing)- Optional
k=(key type, often rsa),h=(hash algorithms),t=(flags), etc.
The selector is a DNS label chosen by the signer (ESP or IT). Multiple selectors can coexist during key rotation (s1, s2, google, default).
This tool does not cryptographically verify a message — it validates DNS publication and basic record shape.
Key Features
- Separate domain and selector fields (empty by default).
- Shows the exact lookup host (
selector._domainkey.domain). - Button-triggered TXT fetch.
- Reports key type, hash tags, and estimated public key size.
- Warnings for missing
p=, short keys, or uncommon key types. - Raw record copy for change tickets.
Common Use Cases
- Verifying Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 DKIM CNAME/TXT after enablement.
- Finding the active selector after ESP migration.
- Confirming a new key is live before removing an old selector.
- Cross-checking
s=from Email Header Analyzer against DNS.
Best Practices
- Rotate keys with a new selector; keep the old record until queues drain.
- Align the signing domain (
d=) with your From: domain and DMARC alignment settings. - Document selectors in runbooks — they are easy to mistype.
- DKIM + SPF + DMARC together cover authentication and policy; MX (MX Lookup) is separate inbound routing.