How to add an SPF record

An SPF record (Sender Policy Framework) is a DNS record that indicates which mail servers are allowed to send email on behalf of your domain name. SPF records are used to prevent spammers from sending messages using a fake or forged ‘From’ email address making it appear that the spam comes from your domain’s email. The recipient mail server may refer to this record to determine if a message is being sent from an approved mail server. Recently, providers such as Gmail/Google Apps now require an SPF record on the sending domain in order to accept the email.

On 7 February 2019, neutral SPF records were added to all domain names on our South African name servers, specifying xneelo as the allowed sender. This neutral SPF record will have no effect on the outgoing emails’ potential spam rating for customers sending mail via another SMTP provider. We can assure you that no existing SPF records were altered in any way.

Steps

  • 1
    Log in to the xneelo Control Panel.
  • 2
    Select a Product (e.g. Web Hosting) from the side menu.
  • 3
    Search for and select the domain name.
  • 4
    Under Domain Tools, select Manage DNS.
  • 5
    Select + Add record.
  • 6
    Add  the following information:
    • Type:  TXT
    • Host: @
    • Value (also called Destination):  as specified by your email provider
    An example of xneelo’s SPF destination is: v=spf1 mx a include:spf.host-h.net ~all (Value must be enclosed by quotation marks)
  • 7
    Select Add to save your SPF record.
Assist Note

If you make use of any other third-party mailing services that send mail on behalf of your domain, you will need to contact these providers prior to adding an SPF record in order to add their information as well.

If your domain’s DNS is not hosted by xneelo, your existing SPF record should be amended via your current DNS provider.

Assist Tip

It is important to note that using email forwarding with SPF may result in the failed delivery of your email.

Related Posts: