Why Aren't My DNS Records Validating?

Common causes and solutions for DNS validation issues.

If your DNS records aren't validating in the ImprovMX dashboard, follow these troubleshooting steps in order to identify and resolve the issue.

Step 1: Allow Propagation Time

DNS additions and alterations go through a propagation period. This process can take up to 24 hours before changes are visible globally. Wait at least 24 hours before troubleshooting further.

Step 2: Use Inspection Tools

Verify your records appear in live DNS queries using tools like the ImprovMX Inspector or check.mx. Once confirmed, refresh your ImprovMX dashboard to trigger a re-check.

Step 3: Check Proxy Settings

Ensure your DNS records aren't proxied through services like Cloudflare. MX records should never be proxied. Also check that DNSSEC is not misconfigured, as this can block record validation.

Step 4: Verify Hostname Configuration

Many DNS providers automatically append your domain name to hostname values. This can create duplicated domain references in your records. For example:

  • If you enter yourdomain.com as the hostname, it may become yourdomain.com.yourdomain.com
  • For root domain records, use @ or leave the hostname field empty

Multiple MX Services

Important: Utilizing external MX services in tandem with ImprovMX on a single domain is not supported. This causes delivery complications and mail routing failures.

Remove any MX records that don't point to ImprovMX servers (mx1.improvmx.com and mx2.improvmx.com).

SPF Record Problems

Two common SPF validation failures:

  • Multiple SPF records — Having more than one SPF record is an invalid configuration. Combine all SPF includes into a single TXT record.
  • Wrong record type — SPF records must be set as TXT records, not SPF-type records. The SPF record type was discontinued in 2014 per RFC 7208.

Still Need Help?

If you've followed all these steps and your records still aren't validating, contact our support team with:

  • Your domain name
  • When you made the DNS changes
  • Which specific record types are failing validation

Still have questions? Feel free to reach out to our support team!