How do I validate my domain with DreamHost, NameCheap, Google or GoDaddy?
Validating your domain with DreamHost, NameCheap, Google, or GoDaddy? Remove your domain from the Host column of each CNAME entry so the records resolve correctly.
Why these hosts are different
DreamHost, NameCheap, Google, and GoDaddy automatically append your domain to the Host (or Name) field of every DNS record. If you paste the full host SendFox shows you, the record becomes sendfox.yourdomain.com.yourdomain.com — and validation fails.
SendFox shows the full host values on the validate page:
What to enter at your host
For example, if you were validating yourdomain.com, SendFox would give you CNAME entries like these:
| Host | Data |
|---|---|
| sendfox.yourdomain.com | u12345678.wl123.sendgrid.net |
| sf._domainkey.yourdomain.com | sf.domainkey.u12345678.wl123.sendgrid.net |
| sf2._domainkey.yourdomain.com | sf2.domainkey.u12345678.wl123.sendgrid.net |
At DreamHost, NameCheap, Google, or GoDaddy, enter the Host without your domain (the Data values stay exactly as shown):
| Host | Data |
|---|---|
| sendfox | u12345678.wl123.sendgrid.net |
| sf._domainkey | sf.domainkey.u12345678.wl123.sendgrid.net |
| sf2._domainkey | sf2.domainkey.u12345678.wl123.sendgrid.net |
Tip: use the copy buttons next to each value on the validate page, then delete the .yourdomain.com part from the Host before saving the record.
Troubleshooting
The records still won't validate
- DNS changes can take up to 24 hours to take effect. SendFox shows which specific record failed under each row on the validate page.
- For other causes — stale records, proxied DNS, typos — see why is my domain validation not working?
I'm not sure if my host auto-appends the domain
- After saving, look at how your host displays the record. If it shows sendfox.yourdomain.com.yourdomain.com, trim the Host to just sendfox. If it shows sendfox.yourdomain.com, it's correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get my CNAME entries in the first place?
From the validate page, after adding your domain under Settings → Sending → Email domains — the full walkthrough is in how do I validate my domain?
Will my values match the example above?
The Host pattern (sendfox / sf._domainkey / sf2._domainkey) is the same for everyone; the Data values are unique to your account — always copy your own from the validate page.
My DNS is hosted somewhere else — does this apply?
Many other DNS providers also auto-append the domain. If validation fails with the full Host value, try it without your domain.