How to Set Up SPF (Sender Policy Framework) DNS Record for Your Domain

How to Set Up SPF (Sender Policy Framework) DNS Record for Your Domain

Email authentication is crucial for preventing email spoofing and ensuring that your emails reach the recipient’s inbox instead of the spam folder. One of the key email authentication methods is SPF (Sender Policy Framework), which helps verify whether an email sent from your domain comes from an authorized mail server.

Now you will learn how to set up an SPF (Sender Policy Framework) DNS record Step by Step.

Step 1: Log in to Your DNS Management Panel

Your DNS records are managed by your domain registrar or hosting provider. To access them:  

1. Log in to your domain registrar or DNS hosting provider (e.g., GoDaddy, Hostinger, Namecheap, Cloudflare).

2. Navigate to the DNS Management or DNS Settings section.

3. Locate the section where you can add TXT records (since SPF records are stored as TXT records).  

Step 2: Create a New SPF Record (TXT Record)

Now, you'll need to add a new TXT record for SPF.  

Type: TXT  

- Host: `@`

- Value: Your SPF policy (example below)  

- TTL: Set to `Automatic` or `3600` seconds (1 hour)  

SPF Record Examples

For GoDaddy or SecureServer Email:

v=spf1 include:secureserver.net -all

For Google Workspace (Gmail for Business):

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

For Microsoft 365 Email (Outlook & Exchange):  

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

For Multiple Mail Servers (e.g., Google & GoDaddy):  

 v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:secureserver.net -all

Understanding the SPF Record Components

- `v=spf1` → Specifies that this is an SPF record.  

- `include:secureserver.net` → Authorizes this mail server to send emails on behalf of your domain.  

- `-all` → A strict rule that blocks emails sent from any unauthorized servers.  

Step 3: Save the SPF Record

Once you've added the correct SPF record, click Save or Apply Changes to update your DNS settings.  

Step 4: Verify Your SPF Record  

After updating your SPF record, DNS changes may take up to 24-48 hours to propagate. To check if your SPF record is correctly set up, use these tools:  

✅ [MXToolBox SPF Checker](https://mxtoolbox.com/spf.aspx)  

✅ [Google Admin Toolbox](https://toolbox.googleapps.com/apps/checkmx/)  

Simply enter your domain name, and these tools will confirm whether your SPF record is valid.  

Why is SPF Important?

✅ Reduces email spoofing & phishing attempts

✅ Improves email deliverability & avoids spam filters

✅ Protects your brand reputation

By correctly setting up an SPF record, you ensure that only authorized servers can send emails on behalf of your domain, increasing email security and trust.

Final Thoughts

Setting up an SPF DNS record is a crucial step in email authentication. Whether using Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or another email provider, configuring SPF correctly will help prevent unauthorized emails and improve your email deliverability.  

If you need additional email security, consider setting up DKIM and DMARC records as well.  

If you have any questions. Don't hasited. Feel free to contact me 

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