Learning Objectives

• Identify where your DNS is managed for accurate configuration.
• Navigate Zoho's updated UI to access DNS and DKIM settings.
• Set up DKIM for enhanced email deliverability.
• Point your domain to external hosting while maintaining Zoho services.
• Troubleshoot common issues and verify your setup.

Problem Breakdown

• Core Issue 1: Zoho's UI has changed, making DNS management settings difficult to locate.
• Core Issue 2: Need to configure DKIM keys for email authentication.
• Core Issue 3: Need to update DNS records to point the domain to an external hosting server.
• Constraint: Domain is registered through Zoho but hosted externally.

First: Identify Where Your DNS is Managed

⚠️ Critical First Step — Before configuring anything, you need to determine where your DNS is actually managed, as this dictates everything else.

Check Your Current DNS Authority

1. Visit WhatsMyDNS.net or MXToolbox.
2. Enter your domain and check NS (Nameserver) records.
3. The nameservers will tell you who controls your DNS.

Possible Scenarios

Solution 1: Finding DNS Settings in Zoho (New UI)

Navigating the Updated Zoho Interface

Path A — Via Zoho Domains:

accounts.zoho.com
→ Menu (top left grid icon)
→ "Domains" or search "Domains"
→ Select your domain
→ "DNS" or "Manage DNS"
            

Path B — Direct URL:

https://domains.zoho.com
→ Log in
→ Click your domain name
→ Look for "DNS Management" or "Zone Editor"
            

Path C — Via Zoho Mail (if using Zoho Mail):

https://mail.zoho.com
→ Settings (gear icon)
→ "Domains"
→ Select domain
→ "Email Configuration" or "DKIM"
            

Reference: Zoho Domains Help, Zoho DNS Management

Solution 2: Configuring DKIM in Zoho Mail

If You're Using Zoho Mail for Email

1. Go to: Zoho Mail Domains Settings
2. Click on your domain
3. Select "Email Configuration" tab
4. Look for "DKIM Authentication"
5. Click "Generate DKIM Key" or "Add Selector"
6. Copy the TXT record value provided
7. Add it to your DNS (wherever your NS records point)

The DKIM DNS Record Format

Type:  TXT
Host:  zoho._domainkey.yourdomain.com
Value: v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=YOUR_PUBLIC_KEY_HERE
TTL:   3600 (or Auto)
            

Reference: Zoho DKIM Setup

Solution 3: Pointing Your Domain to External Hosting

Option A — Change Nameservers (Recommended for Full External Hosting)

Best if your external host manages everything (e.g., Cloudflare, SiteGround, WP Engine).

In Zoho Domains:
1. Go to https://domains.zoho.com
2. Select your domain
3. Click "Name Servers" or "DNS Settings"
4. Select "Custom Nameservers"
5. Enter your host's nameservers
   Example (Cloudflare): 
   → ns1.cloudflare.com
   → ns2.cloudflare.com
6. Save — propagation takes 24–48 hours
            

⚠️ Warning: Changing nameservers moves ALL DNS control to your new host. You'll need to re-add any Zoho Mail DNS records there.

Option B — Update Individual DNS Records (Keep Zoho DNS)

Best if you want to keep Zoho Mail but host your website elsewhere.

Point Website (A Record)

Type:  A
Host:  @ (or blank)
Value: YOUR.SERVER.IP.ADDRESS
TTL:   3600

Type:  A
Host:  www
Value: YOUR.SERVER.IP.ADDRESS
TTL:   3600
            

Point to Host via CNAME (if applicable)

Type:  CNAME
Host:  www
Value: yoursite.externalhost.com
TTL:   3600
            

Solution 4: If DNS is Locked or Inaccessible in Zoho

Steps to Regain Access

1. Check account ownership — ensure you're logged into the correct Zoho account.
2. Contact Zoho Support:
   • Chat: Contact Zoho
   • Support ticket via: Zoho Help
3. Request DNS unlock if the domain shows as locked.
4. Check for domain transfer lock — it may need to be disabled.

Complete DNS Record Checklist

If Using Zoho Mail + External Web Host

Record Type | Host        | Value                          | Purpose
------------|-------------|--------------------------------|------------------
A           | @           | [Your server IP]               | Website
A           | www         | [Your server IP]               | Website www
MX          | @           | mx.zoho.com (priority 10)      | Zoho Mail
MX          | @           | mx2.zoho.com (priority 20)     | Zoho Mail backup
MX          | @           | mx3.zoho.com (priority 50)     | Zoho Mail backup
TXT         | @           | v=spf1 include:zoho.com ~all   | SPF (Email auth)
TXT         | zoho._dk... | v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=[key]        | DKIM
TXT         | _dmarc      | v=DMARC1; p=none; ...          | DMARC
            

Recommended Action Order

Step 1 → Check NS records at WhatsMyDNS.net
Step 2 → Log into https://domains.zoho.com
Step 3 → Locate DNS Management for your domain
Step 4 → Update A records to point to your external host
Step 5 → Generate DKIM key in Zoho Mail settings
Step 6 → Add DKIM TXT record to DNS
Step 7 → Verify with MXToolbox after 24-48 hours
            

Verification Tools

Visual Content Suggestions

• Screenshots of Zoho Domains DNS management interface.
• Step-by-step infographic for DKIM setup.
• Video walkthrough of navigating Zoho's new UI.

Practical Next Steps

1. Verify your current DNS authority using the tools above.
2. Access Zoho Domains and update necessary records.
3. Test your configuration with verification tools.
4. For advanced DNS needs, consider integrating with Cloudflare at this link for enhanced security and speed.

To get started with Zoho Mail and ensure your domain is fully configured, sign up at Zoho All Products Bundle.

Key Takeaways

• Always check NS records first to identify DNS management location.
• Zoho's UI changes, but DNS settings remain accessible via domains.zoho.com.
• DKIM enhances email security and deliverability.
• Propagation can take up to 48 hours—be patient.

Need Expert Help?

Configuring DNS and DKIM can be complex. Creator Scripts specializes in Zoho setups—contact us for consultations at Contact Us or explore our Zoho services at Zoho Services.

Pro Tip: If you're still unable to locate the settings after following these steps, Zoho's live chat support is typically responsive and can screen-share to help navigate the new UI directly.