v: This tag specifies the version of SPF being used. For SPF version 1, the value is “spf1”.
SPF Record Checker
Use this tool to lookup and validate your SPF record.
SPF Status
Record Checks
Valid SPF record | |
Failure Mode | |
DNS Lookups below 10 | /10 |
Void Lookups below 2 | /2 |
Error Details | |
Warning |
Tag | Value | Description |
---|---|---|
v | v = spf1 Record version | |
+ip4 | Allow the listed IPv4 addresses | |
+ip6 | Allow the listed IPv6 addresses | |
+include | Check the SPF record of the listed domain for a matching IP address | |
+a | Allow the IP addresses listed in the domain’s A record | |
+mx | Allow the IP addresses of the domain’s MX hosts | |
+ptr | Allow the IP addresses of the domain’s PTR hosts | |
+exist | SPF passes if an A record lookup of the listed domain returns a valid result | |
+redirected | Replace the current SPF record with that of the listed domain | |
-/~/? | Apply a hardfail/softail/neutral result if no other mechanisms match |
The SPF Email Authentication Protocol
SPF or Sender Policy Framework is an email authentication protocol that allows recipients to distinguish between the domain owner’s authorized list of senders, and unauthorized emails. Authenticating your email using SPF is the first step toward preventing domain name abuse and impersonation. To configure SPF you have to set up a DNS record. Pairing your SPF record with other email authentication DNS records can increase its efficacy against cyberattacks.
What is an SPF checker?
Our SPF checker is a software tool that helps you look up and check for errors in your SPF record. SPF checks help you to verify your domain’s SPF (Sender Policy Framework) configuration.
SPF is an email authentication protocol that enables domain owners to declare which mail servers are permitted to send emails on their domain’s behalf, hence assisting in the prevention of email spoofing and phishing.
How SPF Checker Works
An SPF checker validates a domain’s SPF record, which specifies authorized mail servers for sending emails on behalf of the domain. The SPF record checker retrieves the domain’s SPF record, parses its rules, gathers the sender’s IP address, evaluates it against the record, and determines the result as pass, fail, softfail, neutral, or SPF permerror.
Our SPF lookup tool performs the following functions:
1. Checks the existence of your published SPF record
2. Detects Multiple SPF Lookups
3. Evaluates SPF Record Validity
4. Validates IP Addresses and Domains
SPF Record Tags Explained
SPF records are published in DNS (Domain Name System) and are comprised of several tags that define the syntax of the record. Here’s a breakdown of the commonly used SPF tags:
The Need for an SPF Testing Tool
An SPF checker tool can reduce the chances of your legitimate email messages landing in the spam folder, improve your overall email security, and filter out fraudulent emails. Here are the various benefits of frequent SPF record checks:
Common Mistakes Senders Make with SPF
The SPF email authentication method is a very prevalent and effective tactic to prevent email fraud. However, here’s a list of common errors domain owners usually end up making during the configuration process:
How to Make Sure Your SPF Record is Valid?
More Email Authentication Protocols to Explore
SPF Record Check FAQs
Check our comprehensive database of popular SPF record checker questions we come across often on our support forum.
- Log in to your Office 365 Admin Center
- Go to Settings > Domain
- Select your domain name and click on DNS records
- Check if your TXT status is ok, and review your SPF record from the list of DNS records.
- Increased likelihood of emails being marked as spam or rejected by recipient servers.
- Diminished email deliverability, affecting communication with clients, partners, or customers.
- Higher risk of phishing attacks succeeding, as spoofed emails may appear legitimate to recipients.
- Damage to sender reputation, potentially leading to being blacklisted by email service providers.
- Negative impact on brand reputation due to compromised email security and potential misuse of the sender’s domain.
- Review the SPF record syntax and configuration for accuracy, ensuring that it includes all authorized email sources.
- Correct any misconfigurations, such as missing or incorrect IP addresses, or mechanisms.
- Update DNS records with the revised SPF information and allow time for DNS propagation.
- Test the revised SPF record using the SPF checker tool to verify its accuracy.
- Monitor email deliverability and SPF authentication status to ensure that the issues have been resolved effectively through DMARC reports.
What Our Clients & Partners Say About Us
PowerDMARC is a highly reliable and effective domain security platform with a user-friendly interface.
Belgin Abraham (CEO, Channel Next)
“Very easy and intuitive multi-tenant management. Flexible partner program with easy to work with terms and pricing. Overall a fantastic company, product, and MSP vendor.”
Bill Barnett (Founder and President at ClearView IT)
“PowerDMARC has made enabling DKIM and DMARC settings, and monitoring results very easy for my domain.”
Mr. Toshikazu Watanabe (Domain Owner)