SPF record checker tool

Use Sendmarc’s SPF record checker. This tool instantly validates your business’s Sender Policy Framework (SPF) record, helps identify issues, and confirms domain security.

What is an SPF record checker?

Sendmarc’s SPF record checker is an online tool that fetches, analyzes, and validates the record for any domain.

An SPF record checker allows users to:

  • Test SPF to ensure the record exists and is correctly published in the domain’s DNS
  • Validate the syntax and structure of the record to ensure compliance with standards
  • Identify authorized IP addresses and third-party services permitted to send email on behalf of the domain
  • Detect misconfigurations or excessive DNS lookups that can cause email delivery failures

Additionally, please check your company’s domain score to manage its domain to the highest DMARC levels.

Why does this matter?

SPF is an email authentication protocol that specifies which email servers are authorized to send messages on behalf of a domain.

Without a valid record, a domain becomes vulnerable to email spoofing and phishing attacks. Misconfigured SPF records can also lead to legitimate emails being marked as Spam or Junk, reducing deliverability and damaging brand reputation.

Why your company should use an SPF record checker

Using a record checker is essential for organizations that want to maintain email security and deliverability. It ensures that domains are correctly configured to prevent abuse, protect reputation, and maintain compliance.

Key benefits

Prevent email spoofing

A record checker helps ensure that only authorized email servers can send messages on behalf of your organization’s domain.

Improve deliverability

Major email providers, including Gmail and Outlook, check SPF records to assess whether incoming messages are legitimate. A valid record increases the likelihood that emails are delivered to inboxes instead of being marked as Spam or Junk.

Detect and fix errors

The tool does an SPF syntax check to identify errors and excessive DNS lookups. These issues can result in emails being rejected by receiving email servers.

Ensure compliance

Email authentication standards and security requirements continue to evolve. Regular SPF checks help ensure that your business’s domain remains compliant with current best practices and technical standards.

Simplify management

Quickly review all authorized IP addresses, include mechanisms, and configuration details in your company’s record. This simplifies managing complex email environments.

Ready to validate a record?

How to use an SPF record checker

Verifying a record with Sendmarc’s SPF record checker is fast and straightforward.

How to check the record

1. Enter the domain

Type the domain name into the tool.

2. Run the check

Click Lookup. The tool will fetch the record directly from the domain’s DNS.

3. Review the results

See the current record, authorized IP addresses, and any third-party services included.

4. Validate syntax and structure

Identify issues such as syntax errors or excessive DNS lookups.

Quick summary:
  • Enter the domain
  • Instantly view and validate the record
  • Receive clear insights

Missing or incorrect record? Use an SPF record checker

If a record is missing, incorrect, or misconfigured, the consequences can impact both security and deliverability.

Risks of a misconfigured record

  • Reduced email deliverability

    Without a valid record, major email providers might flag or block your organization’s messages

  • Enhanced spoofing vulnerability

    Attackers can impersonate your business’s domain, damaging its reputation and putting contacts at risk
  • Compliance failures

    Security frameworks often require correct SPF implementation

How to fix record issues

  • Identify the problem

    Use the SPF validator to detect syntax errors, missing mechanisms, and unauthorized IP addresses

  • Update the DNS

    Correct the record by adjusting authorized senders or fixing syntax issues
  • Validate again

    Re-run the SPF record checker tool to confirm the updated configuration is accurate

Tip: Regularly perform an SPF record check for your company’s domain, especially after adding new email services.

SPF record checker: FAQs

What does a valid SPF record look like?

A valid SPF record typically includes specific mechanisms and follows the correct syntax. For example:

HostTypeValue
@TXTv=spf1 ip4:192.0.2.1 include:spf.thirdparty.com ~all
  • v=spf1 indicates the version and protocol
  • ip4:192.0.2.1 authorizes the specific IP address allowed to send email
  • include:spf.thirdparty.com allows a third-party email service to send on behalf of the domain
  • ~all marks emails that don’t match the rules as suspicious

This structure ensures proper authentication and improves deliverability.

If an SPF DNS record is incorrect due to syntax errors or missing IP addresses, email deliverability and security are impacted. Messages might be sent to Spam or rejected, or the domain could be exposed to spoofing attacks.

To fix an SPF misconfiguration, start by performing an SPF, also known as a Sender Policy Framework check, to identify common issues such as invalid syntax or missing IP addresses. Next, edit the DNS TXT record to correct any errors and ensure all legitimate senders are included. Once updates are made, validate the changes using the SPF checker tool. Regular reviews help maintain a secure and compliant SPF configuration.

SPF directly affects email deliverability by allowing receiving servers to verify that messages from a domain are sent from authorized servers. Without a valid record, legitimate emails might be marked as Spam or rejected entirely.
No, a domain shouldn’t have multiple SPF records. Having more than one record causes authentication failures. All authorized sending services must be combined into a single record to ensure proper validation.
Yes, SPF is still necessary even if DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) is implemented. SPF authenticates the sending server, while DKIM verifies the integrity of the email content. For full protection and improved deliverability, both protocols should be used in combination with Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC).

Try Sendmarc’s record checker now

Use Sendmarc’s free record checker to validate your organization’s record, identify issues, and maintain a strong email reputation.

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