Free Tool
SPF Record Checker
Validate your domain's Sender Policy Framework (SPF) configuration. Check if your email authentication is properly set up to prevent spoofing.
What is SPF?
Sender Policy Framework (SPF) is an email authentication protocol that allows domain owners to specify which mail servers are authorized to send email on behalf of their domain. It helps prevent spammers from sending messages with forged "From" addresses at your domain.
How SPF Works
When an email is received, the recipient's mail server looks up the SPF record in the sender's domain DNS. The SPF record is a TXT record that lists all IP addresses and servers permitted to send email for that domain.
The receiving server compares the sending server's IP address against this list. If the IP matches, the SPF check passes. If not, the email may be marked as spam, rejected, or flagged depending on the policy defined in the record.
SPF works alongside DKIM and DMARC to form a complete email authentication framework that protects your domain from phishing and spoofing attacks.
Why SPF Matters
Prevents unauthorized servers from sending email as your domain
Improves email deliverability and inbox placement rates
Protects your brand reputation from phishing attacks
Required by major providers like Google and Microsoft for bulk senders
Common SPF Mechanisms
| Mechanism | Description |
|---|---|
| include | Authorizes another domain's SPF record to send on your behalf |
| ip4 | Authorizes a specific IPv4 address or CIDR range |
| ip6 | Authorizes a specific IPv6 address or range |
| mx | Authorizes the domain's MX record hosts to send email |
| a | Authorizes the domain's A record IP address |
| -all | Hard fail: reject email from unauthorized servers |
| ~all | Soft fail: accept but mark email from unauthorized servers |
| +all | Allow all servers (not recommended, defeats SPF purpose) |
Automate SPF checks with our API
Integrate SPF validation into your workflow. Programmatically check SPF records, monitor changes, and ensure your email authentication stays healthy.