Free SPF Record Checker
Instantly verify your SPF record, count DNS lookups, and identify misconfigurations — all in one free tool.
We'll retrieve and analyze the live SPF record from DNS for your domain.
Too many DNS lookups?
AutoSPF automatically flattens your SPF record to stay under the 10-lookup limit. No manual IP management, no broken records.
Fix it with AutoSPF →What the SPF Checker Analyzes
SPF Record Verification
Retrieves and displays the live SPF record from DNS, confirming which mail servers are authorized to send on behalf of your domain.
Status & Validation
Checks syntax, mechanism usage, and qualifier correctness according to RFC 7208 so you can spot and fix issues before they impact deliverability.
DNS Lookup Count
Counts the exact number of DNS lookups and warns you if you're approaching or exceeding the RFC-mandated 10-lookup limit.
Authorized IPs & Mechanisms
Breaks down every ip4, ip6, include, a, and mx mechanism so you can see exactly which servers are permitted to send email.
Why Use the Free SPF Checker?
Improved Email Deliverability
Correctly configured SPF records reduce bounce rates and help your emails land in the inbox instead of the spam folder.
Enhanced Email Security
Prevent spoofing and phishing attacks by verifying that only authorized servers can send email from your domain.
Compliance with Standards
Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo require proper SPF. Our tool checks your record against RFC 7208 and industry best practices.
User-Friendly Results
Clear, actionable output with error alerts, lookup counts, and recommendations — no DNS expertise required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an SPF record?
An SPF (Sender Policy Framework) record is a DNS TXT record that lists which mail servers are authorized to send email on behalf of your domain. Receiving servers check this record to verify that incoming mail comes from a legitimate source.
What is the 10-lookup limit?
RFC 7208 limits SPF records to 10 DNS lookups (include, a, mx, redirect, and exists mechanisms). Exceeding this limit causes a "permerror" — many receiving servers will treat this as a fail, hurting your deliverability.
How do I fix too many DNS lookups?
You can manually flatten your SPF record by replacing include mechanisms with the actual IP addresses they resolve to. For automated management, AutoSPF (autospf.com) handles this automatically and keeps your flattened record up to date.
What does ~all vs -all mean?
~all (softfail) tells receivers that mail from unlisted servers should be accepted but marked. -all (fail) tells receivers to reject mail from unlisted servers. For maximum security, use -all once you're confident all legitimate senders are listed.
Why does SPF matter for phishing protection?
SPF prevents attackers from sending email that appears to come from your domain. Without SPF, anyone can forge your domain in the "envelope from" address. Combined with DMARC, SPF helps block phishing and spoofing attacks targeting your employees and customers.
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