How to Set Up SPF Records
Summary
SPF setup requires creating a DNS TXT record at your root domain that lists authorized mail servers. The record uses mechanisms (ip4, ip6, include, a, mx) and a qualifier (~all or -all) to define which servers can send email on your behalf.
What Is How to Set Up SPF Records?
SPF setup is the process of publishing a Sender Policy Framework record in DNS to authorize mail servers. The record format is: v=spf1 [mechanisms] [qualifier]all Example: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:sendgrid.net -all
Why How to Set Up SPF Records Matters for Email & DNS Security
Correct SPF setup is mandatory for email deliverability. Gmail and Yahoo require SPF for bulk senders. Misconfigured SPF causes authentication failures, leading to spam placement. According to IntoDNS data, the 10 DNS lookup limit is exceeded in 28% of SPF records analyzed, making it the most common trap that breaks SPF validation.
How How to Set Up SPF Records Works (Technical)
- 1.Identify all email sending sources (Google Workspace, SendGrid, Mailchimp, etc.)
- 2.Build SPF record starting with v=spf1
- 3.Add mechanisms for each sender: include:_spf.provider.com
- 4.Add dedicated IPs: ip4:203.0.113.1
- 5.End with qualifier: ~all (testing) or -all (enforcing)
- 6.Publish as TXT record at root domain (@)
- 7.Verify with IntoDNS that lookup count ≤10
Common Misconfigurations
❌ Exceeding 10 DNS lookup limit
Consequence: SPF returns permerror, email may be rejected
How IntoDNS detects this: IntoDNS recursively counts all DNS lookups and flags when >10
❌ Forgetting third-party senders
Consequence: Legitimate emails fail SPF, triggering DMARC failures
How IntoDNS detects this: IntoDNS provides suggestions for common providers missing from SPF
❌ Multiple SPF records
Consequence: SPF validation fails per RFC 7208
How IntoDNS detects this: IntoDNS checks for duplicate SPF TXT records
How IntoDNS.ai Detects & Scores This
IntoDNS validates SPF syntax, counts DNS lookups recursively (flagging >8 as warning), checks for duplicate records, validates IP CIDR notation, and provides provider-specific include: suggestions based on MX records.
How To Fix How to Set Up SPF Records Issues
- 1.List all current email senders (check sent email headers for IPs)
- 2.Create SPF record: v=spf1
- 3.Add include: for each provider
- 4.Use ip4: only for dedicated mail servers
- 5.Test with ~all first: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all
- 6.Verify with IntoDNS: scan your domain
- 7.Ensure lookup count ≤10
- 8.Switch to -all after 1 week of monitoring
References
Source: IntoDNS.ai – DNS & email security diagnostics
Last updated: 2026-01-14
Category: email