This article provides a guide on How to Add SPF Record. If you’re interested in a detailed exploration, read on for extensive information and advice.
In today’s digital landscape, email security is more critical than ever. One of the most effective ways to protect your domain from email spoofing and phishing attacks is to add SPF record to your DNS settings. SPF (Sender Policy Framework) allows domain owners to specify which mail servers are permitted to send email on behalf of their domain.

This article will guide you through the process of adding an SPF record, explain why it’s essential, and offer tips for optimizing your email authentication protocols.
Let’s begin our journey!
Table of Contents
What is an SPF Record?
A Sender Policy Framework record is a type of DNS (Domain Name System) TXT record that identifies the mail servers that are allowed to send emails on behalf of a domain. This helps receiving mail servers verify whether incoming emails claiming to be from your domain are legitimate.
SPF works by matching the sending server’s IP address against the list of authorized IP addresses in your domain’s SPF record. If the IP address is listed, the email is considered authentic. If it’s not, the email is flagged as potentially fraudulent.
Why is it Important to Add an SPF Record?
Email spoofing, where a malicious actor sends emails pretending to be from your domain, is a common method used in phishing attacks. These attacks can harm your domain’s reputation and compromise the security of your email recipients. By adding an SPF record, you significantly reduce the chances of your domain being spoofed, ensuring your emails reach their intended recipients and are not flagged as spam or malicious.
Moreover, popular email providers like Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo check SPF records before delivering emails. Without a Sender Policy Framework record, your emails may be sent to spam folders or rejected altogether.
How to Add SPF Record?
Adding an SPF record to your domain’s DNS settings is a straightforward process, but it requires careful planning. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Identify Your Email Sending Sources
Before creating your SPF record, you need to list all the servers and services that are authorized to send emails on behalf of your domain. This includes:
- Your company’s mail servers
- Third-party email services like Mailchimp, SendGrid, or Google Workspace
- Any other application or service that sends email from your domain
2. Create the SPF Record
An SPF record is written as a TXT record in your DNS settings. The format looks like this:
v=spf1 ip4:123.456.789.123 include:spf.thirdparty.com -all
v=spf1
specifies the version of SPF being used.ip4:123.456.789.123
lists the IP address authorized to send mail.include:spf.thirdparty.com
allows the domain to include third-party services (like SendGrid or Mailchimp).-all
indicates that any email from servers not listed should be rejected.
3. Add the SPF Record to Your DNS Settings
Once you’ve created the Sender Policy Framework record, log in to your domain registrar or hosting provider’s DNS management console.
- Navigate to the DNS settings or DNS zone editor.
- Look for an option to add a new record.
- Select “TXT” as the record type.
- In the “Name” or “Host” field, enter your domain name (or leave it blank, depending on the provider).
- Paste the SPF record into the “Value” or “TXT Data” field.
- Save the record.
It may take up to 48 hours for the new SPF record to propagate across the internet.
4. Test Your SPF Record
After you add SPF record, it’s essential to verify that it is correctly configured. There are various online tools you can use to test your Sender Policy Framework record, such as:
- MXToolbox (mxtoolbox.com)
- Kitterman SPF Validator (kitterman.com)
- DNSstuff (dnsstuff.com)
These tools will analyze your domain’s DNS records to ensure your Sender Policy Framework record is valid and properly formatted.
Common Mistakes When Adding SPF Records
Even though adding an SPF record is straightforward, some common mistakes can prevent it from functioning properly. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
1. Exceeding DNS Lookup Limits
SPF records are limited to 10 DNS lookups. If you exceed this limit, your Sender Policy Framework record will fail. Each “include” directive or domain lookup in your Sender Policy Framework record counts as one lookup. To stay within the limit, consider using mechanisms like ip4
or ip6
instead of relying too heavily on include
.
2. Incorrect Syntax
Sender Policy Framework records follow a specific syntax, and even a small error can invalidate the entire record. Double-check the formatting of your record before saving it in the DNS settings.
3. Using “+all” Instead of “-all”
The -all
directive tells mail servers to reject any email from sources not listed in the SPF record. If you accidentally use +all
, you’re telling the mail server to accept emails from any server, effectively negating the purpose of SPF.
Best SPF Record Generator Tool
Managing SPF records can seem complicated, especially if you’re dealing with multiple email services and servers. Fortunately, tools like the Oflox SPF Record Generator make the process much easier. This tool simplifies the process of generating a Sender Policy Framework record by guiding you through the necessary steps:
By using the Oflox SPF Record Generator, you minimize the risk of errors and ensure that your Sender Policy Framework record is optimized for your domain’s email infrastructure.
Best Practices for Managing SPF Records
Once you add SPF record, it’s crucial to maintain and manage it to ensure your email authentication stays robust. Here are some best practices:
1. Regularly Review Your SPF Record
As your email infrastructure changes—whether you add new mail servers, use additional third-party services, or retire older systems—review and update your Sender Policy Framework record accordingly.
2. Combine with DKIM and DMARC
SPF is just one part of a comprehensive email authentication strategy. DKIM and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) are complementary technologies that offer additional layers of protection.
- DKIM adds a cryptographic signature to your emails, verifying the email’s integrity.
- DMARC allows you to set policies on how to handle emails that fail SPF or DKIM checks, providing better control over email authentication failures.
3. Monitor Email Logs
Keep an eye on your email logs to identify any issues related to SPF record failures. If your emails are being flagged as spam or rejected by recipients, your Sender Policy Framework record may need to be adjusted.
4. Don’t Rely on SPF Alone
While SPF is effective in preventing spoofing, it’s not foolproof. Sophisticated attackers may bypass SPF by using legitimate mail servers or other attack vectors. Combining SPF with DMARC and DKIM provides a more comprehensive defense.
FAQs:)
A. If you don’t have an Sender Policy Framework record, your domain is vulnerable to email spoofing. Additionally, many mail servers may flag your emails as spam or reject them if no Sender Policy Framework record is found.
A. No, a domain can only have one SPF record. However, you can combine multiple sources and IP addresses into a single Sender Policy Framework record.
A. You can use online Sender Policy Framework validation tools to check if your Sender Policy Framework record is correctly set up. Additionally, you can monitor your email deliverability and look for any errors related to SPF in your email headers.
A. Yes, you can modify your Sender Policy Framework record at any time. However, remember that changes may take up to 48 hours to propagate.
A. SPF verifies the sender’s IP address, while DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) adds a digital signature to the email’s header to verify the email’s authenticity. Both are important for protecting your domain from email-based attacks.
Conclusion:)
Adding an SPF record is a vital step toward safeguarding your domain from email spoofing and improving email deliverability. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily add Sender Policy Framework record to your domain’s DNS settings and significantly enhance your email security. Always ensure that your Sender Policy Framework record is up-to-date, and consider using additional authentication protocols like DKIM and DMARC to maximize your email protection.
Read also:)
- What is DKIM Record: A-to-Z Guide for Beginners!
- How to Add a DMARC Record in GoDaddy: A-to-Z Guide!
- What is DMARC Record: A-to-Z Guide for Beginners!
Whether you’re a business or an individual managing your own domain, taking the time to properly set up an SPF record can prevent headaches down the road and protect your reputation in the inbox.