SPF Check
Use our free SPF check tool to analyze your domain's SPF record, detect common errors, and get actionable recommendations to fix them. Improve your email deliverability with proper SPF configuration.
SPF Record Checker
Enter your domain name to check and analyze your SPF record
SPF Record Analysis Results
SPF Record
Validation Results
Recommendations
Correct SPF Record Examples
Basic SPF Record
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all
Allows Google Workspace emails, soft-fails others
Advanced SPF Record
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:_spf.salesforce.com ~all
Allows Google Workspace and Salesforce emails
What is an SPF Record?
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is an email authentication method that helps prevent email spoofing and phishing attacks. It works by allowing domain owners to specify which mail servers are authorized to send emails on behalf of their domain.
When an email is received, the receiving mail server checks the SPF record of the sender's domain to verify if the email came from an authorized server. If the check fails, the email may be marked as spam or rejected entirely.
Why SPF is important: Properly configured SPF records improve email deliverability, reduce the chance of your emails being marked as spam, and protect your domain from being used in phishing attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an SPF record?
An SPF record is a DNS TXT record that specifies which mail servers are authorized to send emails on behalf of your domain. It helps prevent email spoofing and improves email deliverability.
How do I fix 'SPF Too Many DNS Lookups'?
This error occurs when your SPF record contains too many include mechanisms, causing more than 10 DNS lookups. To fix it, consolidate multiple includes into fewer ones, use subdomains for different services, or consider using SPF macros for large organizations.
Why is my email going to spam?
Missing or incorrectly configured SPF records are a common cause of emails being marked as spam. Other factors include poor sender reputation, content filtering, and missing DKIM or DMARC records. Our SPF check tool can help identify SPF-related issues.
How often should I check my SPF record?
It's recommended to check your SPF record whenever you change email providers, add new email services, or notice deliverability issues. Regular monthly checks are also good practice to ensure optimal email authentication.
Can I have multiple SPF records?
No, you should only have one SPF record per domain. Having multiple SPF records will cause validation failures. If you need to combine multiple services, merge them into a single SPF record using multiple include mechanisms.
What does the ~all mechanism mean?
The ~all mechanism is a soft-fail qualifier that indicates emails from unauthorized servers should be treated with suspicion but not necessarily rejected. It's more permissive than -all (hard fail) and is often recommended for domains that are still configuring their email infrastructure.
Benefits of Proper SPF Configuration
Email Security
Prevent email spoofing and protect your domain from being used in phishing attacks
Better Deliverability
Improve email inbox placement rates and reduce the chance of being marked as spam
Trust & Reputation
Build trust with recipients and maintain a positive sender reputation
Ready to Check Your SPF Record?
Use our free SPF check tool to analyze your domain's SPF record and get actionable recommendations
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