Email deliverability in cPanel helps you identify and fix problems with your mail-related DNS records so other servers can trust your emails. The interface checks critical authentication records like DKIM and SPF for all your domains, displays their status, and lets you repair any issues directly from your control panel.
Understanding Email Deliverability
The Email Deliverability tool in cPanel verifies that your domain's DNS records are properly configured for sending email. When these records are set up correctly, email providers like Gmail and Outlook are more likely to deliver your messages to recipients' inboxes rather than spam folders. Both DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) and SPF (Sender Policy Framework) authentication require that you use a DNS server for your domain name.
How to Access Email Deliverability
Log into your cPanel account and navigate to the Email section. Click on Email Deliverability to view the status of all domains on your account. The interface displays a table listing each domain along with the current status of its mail-related DNS records.
Understanding the Email Deliverability Table
The Email Deliverability table provides several useful features:
- Domain column: Lists all domains on your account. Click the Domain header to sort alphabetically.
- Main Domain label: Identifies the primary domain that was used to create your hosting account.
- Email Deliverability Status: Shows whether each domain's mail-related DNS records are valid or have issues.
- Gear icon: Lets you adjust how many entries display per page or refresh the results.
Repairing Invalid DNS Records
When cPanel detects invalid or missing email authentication records, you can use the Repair feature to fix them automatically. Click the Repair button next to any domain with issues. A window will appear showing the system's recommendations for correcting invalid records.
You can review each suggested change before approving it. If needed, you can copy or customize the suggested records to match your specific requirements. Once you approve the repairs, cPanel will update your DNS records accordingly. The system will then recheck the repaired records, which typically takes up to five minutes depending on your server.
Important: The Repair option is only available if OBHost controls your domain's DNS records. If your domain uses external nameservers, you'll need to make the changes manually at your DNS provider.
Common Email Deliverability Issues
Several common problems can affect email deliverability:
- Missing DKIM records: Without DKIM, receiving servers cannot verify that emails actually came from your domain.
- Invalid SPF records: SPF tells other mail servers which IP addresses are authorized to send email from your domain.
- Incorrect DNS settings: If your domain points to external nameservers, cPanel cannot automatically manage your email authentication records.
- Multiple SPF records: Having more than one SPF record can cause validation failures.
Best Practices for Email Deliverability
To maintain good email deliverability, check your Email Deliverability status regularly, especially after adding new domains or making DNS changes. Keep your DKIM and SPF records up to date and properly configured. If you use external nameservers, make sure to add the recommended DNS records manually at your DNS provider.
Monitor your email sending practices to avoid triggering spam filters. Send only to recipients who have opted in to receive your messages, and maintain a clean mailing list by removing bounced or invalid addresses promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between DKIM and SPF?
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) specifies which mail servers are authorized to send email on behalf of your domain, while DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) adds a digital signature to your emails that receiving servers can verify. Both work together to improve email deliverability and prevent spoofing. Most email providers check for both records when deciding whether to deliver, quarantine, or reject incoming messages.
Why can't I repair my domain's email records?
The Repair option is unavailable when cPanel does not control your domain's DNS records. This happens when your domain uses external nameservers instead of your hosting provider's nameservers. To fix this, you'll need to manually add the recommended DNS records at wherever your domain's DNS is managed, or switch your domain to use your hosting provider's nameservers.
How long does it take for email deliverability repairs to take effect?
After you approve repairs in cPanel, the system updates your DNS records immediately. However, DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate globally, though most changes are visible within 1-4 hours. The cPanel interface will recheck your records after about five minutes to verify the repairs were successful.
Will fixing my email deliverability records guarantee my emails reach the inbox?
Properly configured DKIM and SPF records significantly improve your chances of inbox delivery, but they are not the only factors. Email content, sender reputation, recipient engagement, and spam filter algorithms all play a role. Valid email authentication records are essential, but you should also follow email best practices like sending relevant content, maintaining a clean list, and avoiding spam trigger words.
If you need help configuring your email deliverability settings or have questions about DNS records, our support team is available 24/7. Visit our contact page or email support@obhost.org for assistance.
