Adding to your existing SPF record

SPF records have a hard limit on the number of domain lookups a server is permitted to make when evaluating whether an email message passes SPF validation. That limit is 10 lookups.

You cannot have two (2) separate SPF records on the same domain name. Instead you need to combine both into one (1) valid SPF record.

Reading an SPF record isn’t always as simple as counting the amount of hostnames in your SPF. As the DNS-querying mechanisms to resolve the record fall beneath those hostnames.

You can also use third party tools such as Kitterman to check if your SPF record is valid. This will help avoid a “too many DNS lookups” error.

How do I add to my existing SPF record?

Let’s say you are using Google Workspace for your email hosting although you also have a website using cPanel to send mail through a contact form. You would need to combine the below two (2) SPF records into one (1) valid SPF record.

All VentraIP Select cPanel Hosting: "v=spf1 +a +mx include:spf.hostingplatform.net.au ~all"

Google Workspace: "v=spf1 +a +mx include:_spf.google.com ~all"

Correctly combining the above examples would produce the below SPF record.

"v=spf1 +a +mx include:spf.hostingplatform.net.au include:_spf.google.com ~all"

Any other questions regarding SPF records?

Our Technical support team can assist you with your SPF record. Pop an eTicket through to our Technical Support team who can further assist with your queries. Our 100% local support team are here 24/7 and can also be reached via our phone line on 13 24 85 which is a free call nationally within Australia.