How to add an SPF record in cPanel

How to add an SPF record in cPanel

SPF (Sender Policy Framework) lists the servers allowed to send email for your domain. Without it, your email is more likely to land in spam.

Use the suggested record

  1. In cPanel, open Email Deliverability in the Email section.
  2. Click Manage beside your domain.
  3. Under SPF, click Install the suggested record.

This also shows the status of your DKIM record; install that too if it's not valid.

Add a custom record

If you also send mail through another service (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Mailchimp etc.), include it in the same record. In Zone Editor, edit the TXT record that starts with v=spf1, for example:

v=spf1 +a +mx include:spf.protection.outlook.com ~all

Rules to remember

  • Have only one SPF record per domain. Two records cause both to fail.
  • Keep the number of include: entries low; SPF allows a maximum of ten DNS lookups.
  • End with ~all (soft fail) unless you're sure every sender is listed, in which case -all is stricter.

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