Fix a failing SPF record
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is a DNS record listing which servers may send mail for your domain. When it fails, mailbox providers treat your message as possibly forged — a direct hit to placement.
Why mailbox providers enforce this
SPF is one of the three pillars Gmail and Yahoo require from bulk senders. A `~all` softfail is tolerated but weak; a missing or broken SPF record means the receiver can't confirm your sending server is authorized, so DMARC can't align on SPF and your reputation suffers.
How to fix it
- Publish one SPF TXT record at the domain root, starting with v=spf1.
- Include every service that sends on your behalf (e.g. include:_spf.google.com, include:sendgrid.net).
- End with ~all (softfail) or -all (hardfail). Use -all once you're confident every sender is listed.
- Stay under 10 DNS lookups — too many include: statements cause a permerror that fails SPF entirely. Flatten if needed.
- Never publish more than one SPF record per domain; multiple records is itself a permerror.
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FAQ
What does SPF softfail mean?
A ~all softfail means 'mail from servers not listed is suspicious but accept it.' It passes SPF loosely. -all (hardfail) tells receivers to reject unlisted servers — stronger, but only safe once your record is complete.
Why does SPF pass but DMARC still fail?
DMARC requires alignment: the SPF-authenticated domain must match your visible From domain. If you send via an ESP whose envelope domain differs, SPF passes for the ESP but doesn't align with your From — so DMARC fails on SPF. DKIM alignment usually saves you here.
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