What is SPF and Why It Matters
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is a protocol used to verify whether a sender is authorized to send emails on behalf of a specific domain.
When an email reaches a receiving server, an SPF check is performed. If the sender is not authorized according to the domain's SPF record, the receiving server's spam policy determines whether to accept, quarantine, or reject the message.
Structure of an SPF Record
An SPF record is published as a TXT record in your domain’s DNS and must include the following three components:
- Declaration: indicates that it is an SPF record (e.g.,
v=spf1) - Authorized senders: a list of IP addresses or domains allowed to send mail on behalf of your domain
- Enforcement rule: specifies what to do with non-authorized senders (e.g.,
-all,~all)
All three parts are required in a valid SPF TXT record for proper functionality.
Important for Email Deliverability
A correctly configured SPF record is essential to ensure your emails are delivered successfully and not flagged as spam.
If you're unsure about your setup, open a support ticket and our team will verify your SPF configuration for you.
