What Is SPF (Sender Policy Framework)? and why emails go to spam? Print

Overview

SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is an email authentication method designed to prevent email spoofing and reduce spam. It works by verifying that an email message was sent from a server authorized by the domain owner.

SPF records are published in your domain’s DNS settings and specify which mail servers are permitted to send email on behalf of your domain.

Why Is SPF Important?

Implementing SPF helps to:

• Prevent unauthorized use of your domain for sending spam or phishing emails

• Improve email deliverability and reduce the likelihood of messages being marked as spam

• Protect your domain reputation

• Meet basic email security and compliance requirements

Many email providers (such as Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo) rely on SPF checks when determining whether to accept or reject incoming emails.

How SPF Works

1. An email is sent from a mail server using your domain name

2. The recipient’s mail server checks your domain’s SPF record in DNS

3. If the sending server is listed as an authorized sender, the email passes SPF validation

4. If not authorized, the email may be rejected or marked as spam

What Does an SPF Record Look Like?

An SPF record is added as a TXT record in DNS.
Example:

Explanation:

• v=spf1 – SPF version

• a / mx – Allow the domain’s A and MX records to send email

• ip4 – Authorize a specific IP address

• include – Allow third-party mail services

• ~all – Soft fail for unauthorized senders

Common SPF Record Issues

• Missing SPF record

• Multiple SPF records (only one is allowed per domain)

• Not including all mail providers used by the domain

• Incorrect syntax or outdated entries

These issues can cause email delivery problems or spam filtering.

How to Add or Update an SPF Record

1. Log in to your DNS management panel (cPanel)

2. Locate the TXT records for your domain

3. Add or modify the SPF TXT record

4. Save changes and allow up to 24 hours for DNS propagation