SPF Record Checker

An SPF (Sender Policy Framework) record is a DNS record that verifies which mail servers are authorized to send email for a domain, preventing email spoofing.

The syntax for an SPF (Sender Policy Framework) record follows a specific format. Here is a simplified representation of the SPF record syntax:

v=spf1 [mechanisms]

In this syntax, “v=spf1” indicates the SPF version being used. The mechanisms are a combination of directives that define the rules for authorized mail servers. Some common mechanisms include:

• “include”: Specifies additional domains or SPF records that are authorized to send email.
• “ip4”: Authorizes specific IPv4 addresses to send email.
• “ip6”: Authorizes specific IPv6 addresses to send email.
• “a”: Authorizes the IP addresses of the domain’s A records.
• “mx”: Authorizes the IP addresses of the domain’s MX records.
• “all”: Specifies the default action for servers not matching any other mechanism.

SPF stands for Sender Policy Framework. It is an email authentication protocol used to detect and prevent email spoofing, which is a common tactic used by spammers and scammers to send fraudulent emails that appear to be from a legitimate source.

SPF works by verifying that the sender of an email message is authorized to send email on behalf of the domain that appears in the “From” field of the message. SPF records are published in a domain’s DNS (Domain Name System) records and specify which domains or IP addresses are authorized to send email on behalf of that domain. When an email is received, the recipient’s email server checks the SPF record for the sender’s domain and determines if the message is from an authorized source. If the message fails SPF authentication, it may be rejected or marked as spam.

SPF stands for Sender Policy Framework. It is an email authentication protocol used to detect and prevent email spoofing.

To add an SPF (Sender Policy Framework) record, follow these general steps:

1. Identify the domain’s DNS provider (e.g. GoDaddy, Google Domains, Cloudflare, etc.)
2. Log in to the DNS management interface provided by your DNS provider or hosting service. This interface allows you to make changes to your DNS records.
3. Look for the section or option that allows you to manage DNS records, specifically TXT records. SPF records are created as DNS TXT records.
4. Add a new TXT record with the SPF information. The SPF record typically begins with “v=spf1” followed by the mechanisms that specify the authorized mail servers. For example, a basic SPF record for Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) would be “v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all”.
5. After entering the SPF record, save the changes in the DNS management interface. The changes may take some time to propagate across the DNS system.
6. Use an SPF record checker tool to verify that the SPF record is correctly set up.

It’s worth noting that the exact steps to add an SPF record may vary depending on your DNS provider or hosting service. If you encounter difficulties, contacting your DNS provider’s support or referring to their documentation can provide specific instructions tailored to their platform.

When your email address ends with @gmail.com, you don’t need an SPF record. Gmail has already specified an SPF record for you. If you use Google Workspace, here’s the SPF record to add to your domain name:

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all

This SPF record allows Google’s mail servers to send emails on your behalf.

By using an SPF record checker, you can quickly verify the existence and correctness of an SPF record for a specific domain. It helps ensure that the authorized mail servers for the domain are correctly specified, minimizing the risk of email spoofing and improving email deliverability.

Checking your SPF record is crucial for ensuring email deliverability, preventing email spoofing, and maintaining domain reputation. By verifying that your SPF record is correctly set up and up to date, you can enhance the chances of your emails reaching recipients’ inboxes, uphold your domain’s reputation, and identify any potential issues affecting email delivery.

SPF Record Checker is totally free to use. Mailmeteor makes it available to anyone interested in checking their SPF record.

Once your SPF (Sender Policy Framework) record is valid, you can take advantage of email marketing services like Mailmeteor to maximize the email ROI. With a valid SPF record, your emails have a higher chance of reaching recipients’ inboxes and not being marked as spam.

The recommended SPF record for Google Workspace includes the following mechanism:

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all

This record allows the designated Google’s mail servers, as specified in “_spf.google.com”, to send email on behalf of the domain.

When your email address ends with @gmail.com, you don’t need an SPF record. Gmail has already specified an SPF record for you.

The recommended SPF record for Microsoft Office 365 includes the following mechanism:

v=spf1 include:spf.protection.outlook.com ~all

This record allows the designated Microsoft’s mail servers, as specified in “spf.protection.outlook.com”, to send email on behalf of the domain.

The recommended SPF record for Mailchimp includes the following mechanism:

v=spf1 include:mscv.net ~all

This record allows the designated Mailchimp’s mail servers, as specified in “mscv.net”, to send email on behalf of the domain.

The recommended SPF record for Sendinblue includes the following mechanism:

v=spf1 include:spf.sendinblue.com ~all

This record allows the designated Sendinblue’s mail servers, as specified in “spf.sendinblue.com”, to send email on behalf of the domain.

The recommended SPF record for Zendesk includes the following mechanism:

v=spf1 include:mail.zendesk.com ~all

This record allows the designated Zendesk’s mail servers, as specified in “mail.zendesk.com”, to send email on behalf of the domain.