What is a SPF Record and How to Set It Up?
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is an email authentication protocol that tells receiving email servers whether an email is sent from a trusted source authorized by the sender.
It is implemented by adding a TXT record to a domain's DNS records. The TXT record specifies which servers or IP addresses are allowed to send emails on behalf of your domain.
Think of SPF like a bouncer at a club - only the approved guests get in.
A Typical Example of an SPF Record
v=spf1 +mx +a include:spf.protection.outlook.com -all
v=spf1 +mx include:sendgrid.net ~all
Breaking Down the Elements for Clear Understanding
Tools to check for SPF records:
Got questions or want help setting up your SPF record? Drop a comment below, let’s make sure your emails always land where they should: the INBOX.
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is an email authentication protocol that tells receiving email servers whether an email is sent from a trusted source authorized by the sender.
It is implemented by adding a TXT record to a domain's DNS records. The TXT record specifies which servers or IP addresses are allowed to send emails on behalf of your domain.
Think of SPF like a bouncer at a club - only the approved guests get in.
A Typical Example of an SPF Record
v=spf1 +mx +a include:spf.protection.outlook.com -all
v=spf1 +mx include:sendgrid.net ~all
Breaking Down the Elements for Clear Understanding
- v=spf1 indicates this is an SPF version 1 record (the current standard).
- +mx allows mail from the IP addresses of the domain’s MX servers.
(These are the mail servers your domain uses to receive mail.) - +a indicates allow mail from the domain’s A record IP address (usually the main IP of your website or server).
- include:spf.protection.outlook.com
Allows emails from all Microsoft Outlook/Office 365 authorized servers. - -all
Means mail from any other servers not listed here should be rejected outright. - ~all
Means a soft fail, emails from servers not listed should be treated as suspicious, but not rejected outright.
Tools to check for SPF records:
Got questions or want help setting up your SPF record? Drop a comment below, let’s make sure your emails always land where they should: the INBOX.