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Understanding SPF Records for Email Deliverability

Last updated on Jul 24, 2025

Understanding SPF Records for Email Deliverability

Description:
This guide explains what SPF records are, why they're important for email authentication, and how Brixly automatically manages SPF configurations for customers using our nameservers. It’s tailored for shared hosting clients with basic technical knowledge.

What Is an SPF Record?

SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is a type of DNS record that helps prevent email spoofing and improves your email deliverability. It tells recipient mail servers which servers are allowed to send emails on behalf of your domain.

Why is SPF important?

  • Protects your domain from being used in spam or phishing attacks.
  • Reduces the risk of your legitimate emails being marked as spam.
  • Increases trust in emails sent from your domain.

How SPF Works

When you send an email, the recipient’s mail server checks your domain’s SPF record. If the email comes from an approved server, it’s more likely to be delivered to the inbox. If not, it may be rejected or sent to spam.

How Brixly Manages SPF Records

If you use Brixly’s nameservers for your domain, SPF records are automatically managed for you. This means:

  • Default SPF records are set up to authorize Brixly mail servers.
  • No manual configuration is required for standard email usage.
  • Our system updates SPF records automatically if changes are needed.

Example of a Default Brixly SPF Record:

v=spf1 a mx ip4:your_server_ip include:spf.hostns.io -all

Replace your_server_ip with the IP address in your hosting welcome email.

Checking or Updating Your SPF Record in cPanel

If you need to check or add custom SPF entries (e.g., third-party mail services), you can do so via cPanel:

Step 1: Access DNS Zone Editor

  1. Log in to your cPanel account.
  2. Go to the Domains section.
  3. Click Zone Editor.

Step 2: Locate or Edit Your SPF Record

  • Find your domain and click Manage.
  • Look for an existing TXT record starting with v=spf1.
  • To edit: Click Edit next to the record.
  • To add: Click Add Record and select TXT.

Step 3: Update the SPF Value

  • Make changes as needed (see below for adding services).
  • Save the record.

Example: Adding Google Workspace to SPF

v=spf1 a mx ip4:your_server_ip include:spf.hostns.io include:_spf.google.com -all

Always keep -all at the end.

Troubleshooting SPF Issues

My Emails Are Still Marked as Spam

  • Check SPF Syntax: Only one SPF record is allowed per domain. Merge multiple entries into a single record.
  • Propagation: DNS changes can take up to 24 hours to update globally.
  • Other Authentication: Ensure you also have DKIM and DMARC records configured for best results.

How to Test Your SPF Record

You can use free online tools such as MXToolbox SPF Checker to verify your SPF record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to set up SPF if I use only Brixly’s email?
No, if you use our nameservers, it’s automatically managed.

What if I use another email provider?
You’ll need to update your SPF record to include their servers. Refer to their instructions and merge the necessary include: statements into your SPF.

Need More Help?

If you have issues or questions not covered here, please submit a support ticket from your Brixly client area. Our team is here to assist you.

Last updated: June 2025