SPF Record Configuration (Email Sender Verification) Print

What is SPF?

SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is a DNS record that tells receiving mail servers which servers are allowed to send email on behalf of your domain.

Without SPF:

• Emails may go to spam
• Emails may be rejected entirely
• Your domain can be spoofed by attackers

SPF is mandatory for modern email deliverability.

Does A7 Host require SPF?

Yes. If you send email using A7 Host’s mail servers (a7host.com), your domain must include an SPF record authorizing them.

What happens if SPF is missing or incorrect?

Common symptoms:

• Gmail marks emails as spam
• Outlook shows “message not delivered”
• Emails fail DMARC checks
• Domain reputation degrades over time

Where is the SPF record added?

SPF is added as a TXT record in your domain’s DNS.

This may be managed:

• Inside your hosting control panel (if DNS is hosted there)
• At your domain registrar or external DNS provider

Recommended SPF record for A7 Host

Use one SPF record only per domain.

Example SPF record:

Explanation:

• v=spf1 → SPF version
• mx → allows mail servers listed in MX records
• a → allows server IP of the domain
• include:a7host.com → authorizes A7 Host mail servers
• ~all → soft-fail for unauthorized senders (recommended)

Never create multiple SPF records. Always merge them.

How long does SPF take to work?

DNS propagation can take:

• A few minutes
• Up to 24 hours

This is normal.

How do I test SPF?

You can:

• Send a test email to Gmail and check “Show original”
• Look for SPF: PASS

If SPF fails after propagation, contact support.