Fix ZeptoMail Nested Subdomain DNS Verification Issues

How do I resolve DNS verification failures for nested subdomains in ZeptoMail when using Cloudflare?

Troubleshooting ZeptoMail Nested Subdomain DNS Verification Issues

Troubleshooting ZeptoMail Nested Subdomain DNS Verification Issues: A Step-by-Step Guide

Struggling to verify a nested subdomain like cool.car.com in ZeptoMail? You're not alone. Many businesses face DNS hurdles when setting up transactional emails, especially with complex domain structures. This guide dives deep into common pitfalls, verified solutions, and best practices to get your domain authenticated quickly—ensuring better email deliverability and compliance.

Why DNS Verification Matters for ZeptoMail

ZeptoMail, Zoho's powerful transactional email service, requires proper DNS setup for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to authenticate your domain. This prevents emails from landing in spam folders and boosts sender reputation. For nested subdomains (e.g., a subdomain of a subdomain), misconfigurations in tools like Cloudflare can cause failures, even if your root domain verifies fine.

Quick Fact: According to Zoho's official documentation, ZeptoMail fully supports subdomains, including nested ones, as long as DNS records use fully qualified domain names (FQDN). No inherent limitations exist—it's often a setup tweak away.

Common Symptoms of the Issue

  • Verification fails despite correct records in Cloudflare.
  • Root domain (car.com) works, but nested (cool.car.com) doesn't.
  • DNS propagation seems complete, yet errors persist.

If this sounds familiar, let's troubleshoot systematically. Follow these solutions in order for the fastest resolution.

Proven Solutions to Fix Your DNS Verification

Solution 1: Ensure Full FQDN in DNS Records (The Top Culprit)

Fact: Zoho ZeptoMail requires complete hostnames for all records—no shortcuts with relative paths. Adding records under a partial subdomain in Cloudflare often leads to resolution failures.

Steps to Implement:

  1. Log into Cloudflare DNS settings for car.com.
  2. Create or edit records with exact full names:
    • TXT for DMARC: _dmarc.cool.car.com (Value: v=DMARC1; p=none; or as provided by ZeptoMail)
    • TXT for SPF: cool.car.com (Value: v=spf1 include:zcsend.net ~all)
    • TXT for DKIM: yourselector._domainkey.cool.car.com (e.g., 251xxxx7._domainkey.cool.car.com; Value from ZeptoMail)
    • CNAME for bounces: bounce-zem.cool.car.com (Target: ZeptoMail's provided endpoint)
  3. Save and confirm the records display the full path in Cloudflare.

Why It Works: DNS queries resolve based on absolute names. Relative entries (e.g., just _dmarc.cool) won't match what ZeptoMail checks.

Verify with Tools:

dig TXT _dmarc.cool.car.com

dig TXT yourselector._domainkey.cool.car.com

dig CNAME bounce-zem.cool.car.com

Expect matching values from ZeptoMail. For more on Zoho domain setup, check our guide on adding custom domains to Zoho services.

Pro Tip: If you're new to DNS, Zoho's built-in verifier in ZeptoMail can flag issues early. Ready to get started? Sign up for Zoho Campaigns (includes ZeptoMail integration) to test your setup seamlessly.

Solution 2: Disable Cloudflare Proxy for Auth Records

Cloudflare's proxy (orange cloud) optimizes web traffic but can interfere with TXT and CNAME records used for email auth.

Steps:

  1. In Cloudflare, find your ZeptoMail records.
  2. Toggle proxy to "DNS Only" (gray cloud) for TXT (SPF/DKIM/DMARC) and CNAME records.
  3. Wait 5-10 minutes, then re-verify in ZeptoMail.

Why It Works: Proxies alter responses for security, but email verifiers need raw DNS data. Zoho docs confirm this for all auth records.

Limitations: Web traffic to the subdomain may lose Cloudflare benefits—use selectively.

Solution 3: Wait and Check DNS Propagation Globally

DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate worldwide, even if visible locally.

Steps:

  1. Add records and wait 24-48 hours.
  2. Use checkers like What's My DNS or DNS Checker.
  3. Query full names (e.g., _dmarc.cool.car.com) from multiple locations.
  4. Re-verify once consistent.

Why It Works: ZeptoMail queries global DNS servers; partial propagation causes intermittent failures.

For deeper DNS insights, explore our Zoho Mail troubleshooting post.

Solution 4: Verify Syntax and Contact ZeptoMail Support

Double-check values match ZeptoMail's dashboard exactly—no extra quotes, spaces, or missing periods in CNAME targets.

Steps:

  1. Copy-paste from ZeptoMail.
  2. Set TTL to Auto (or 3600 seconds).
  3. If stuck, contact support via Zoho ZeptoMail Contact, including screenshots and error details.
  4. Ask: "Confirm nested subdomain support for cool.car.com?" (Spoiler: Yes, per docs.)

Reference: ZeptoMail Domain Verification Guide.

Need expert help? Our Zoho specialists at Creator Scripts Zoho Services can audit your setup.

Solution 5: Check for Conflicts and Use Query Tools

Existing records (e.g., from other email providers) can clash—only one SPF per subdomain.

Steps:

  1. Scan Cloudflare for duplicates (MX, SPF, DKIM).
  2. Remove conflicts; merge SPF if needed (e.g., add include:zcsend.net).
  3. Test with MX Toolbox or CLI: nslookup -type=TXT _dmarc.cool.car.com.

Why It Works: Clean DNS ensures accurate resolution. Learn more in our Zoho Mail FAQ.

Solution 6: Workarounds If Needed

  • Temporary: Use root domain (car.com) for sending while fixing.
  • Restructure: Switch to single-level like coolmail.car.com if organizational constraints allow.

To explore ZeptoMail's full potential, start your free Zoho Campaigns trial today—perfect for integrating transactional emails.

Recommended Troubleshooting Sequence

  1. Now: Fix FQDN and proxy (Solutions 1-2).
  2. Next 1-24 Hours: Query tools and propagation (Solutions 3,5).
  3. If Unresolved: Support ticket (Solution 4).

Key Takeaways

  • ZeptoMail supports nested subdomains—focus on FQDN and no-proxy settings.
  • Most issues stem from configuration, not limitations.
  • Proper setup improves deliverability by 30-50% (per industry benchmarks).

Visual Suggestions: Include screenshots of Cloudflare DNS editor, dig command outputs, and ZeptoMail verifier.