How to Set Up an SPF Record

An SPF record defines the list of servers that can send emails on behalf of this domain, and how to process emails that were sent from other servers. By setting up an SPF record, you can reduce the risk of sending spam on behalf of your domain and improve inbox deliverability.

In this article, we'll talk about how you can generate a record for your domain to send emails from SendPulse’s servers and add it to your domain's DNS settings registrar site.

Copy an SPF Record

Go to "SMTP Settings" in the "General" tab. In the "SPF Record" section, copy the record value.

You will need to create a TXT record on your DNS settings provider’s site using the @ or yourdomain.com name and the following value: v=spf1 include:mxsmtp.sendpulse.com +a +mx ~all. If you already have an SPS entry, then you need to add the include:mxsmtp.sendpulse.com value to your existing one.

Add an Entry to the DNS Provider Website

You can check where your domain's DNS settings are located using the MxToolbox tool. Follow the link, and enter your domain. Select "SOA Lookup" or “DNS check” from the drop-down list, and click the button.

If your registrar does not provide default DNS servers, you can activate this service separately, for example, using cPanel.

In our example, we will use cPanel to add an A record to our site's DNS registrar.

Learn more about how to set up TXT records in cPanel’s documentation.

In the domain control panel, select "Zone Editor."

Next to your domain, click Manage.

Click +Add Record.

Paste the values in the corresponding fields:

In the "Name" field, paste the @ record name, and your hosting can add the domain name. For example, for cPanel, it will be yourdomain.com

In the "Type" field, select the "TXT" record type.

In the "Record" field, paste the record value.

If you are sending emails using multiple third-party servers, you need to add the service value to the same entry, and it will look like this:v=spf1 include:mxsmtp.sendpulse.com ip4:XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX include:serverdomain.com +a +mx ~all.

Click Save Record.

Once you add the entry, you need to wait for the activation, which may take up to 24 hours, depending on the work of the hosting.

Check the Entry Status

You can check the status of your added entry using MxToolbox or Google Admin Toolbox. Follow the link, and paste your full domain name. For MxToolbox, select "SPF Lookup" in the drop-down list. For Google Admin Toolbox, select the "TXT" entry.

You can also check the entry status directly in your SMTP account. Go to the "SMTP Settings" > "Sending Domains" tab. Click the arrow next to the domain you want to verify, and select “Verify SPF.”

If you have configured everything correctly and the DNS settings have been updated, you will receive a corresponding message.