SPF Record Checker: Catch the Errors Breaking Delivery
Look up your SPF record in seconds, catch syntax mistakes and the 10 DNS lookup limit, and get plain fixes so your email keeps reaching inboxes.
2 credits per run. 20 free credits when you sign up, no credit card required.
example.com
ExampleAuthentication set up, policy is lenient
- SPFValid
- DKIMFound
- DMARCp=none
- BlacklistsNot listed
Example result with sample data. Yours uses live data for your inputs.
How it works
From a short brief to a draft you can use straight away.
- Step 1
Describe what you need
A few details about your business, audience and goal.
- Step 2
AI writes the first draft
Tailored to your inputs and the platform it is for, in seconds.
- Step 3
Edit, copy and use
Tweak the tone, copy it in one click, and generate more variations.
What you get
What the result tells you, and why it is worth the minute it takes.
Catch Silent Failures
A stray character or one include too many can void your whole record. Spot problems before inboxes do.
Count DNS Lookups
SPF allows only 10 DNS lookups. The checker counts yours and shows which includes push you over the limit.
Plain Language Fixes
Every issue comes with a clear explanation and a suggested fix, no DNS expertise or guesswork needed.
The guide
What the spf record checker does, how to use it, and what to do with the result.
An SPF record checker inspects the Sender Policy Framework entry published in your domain's DNS and tells you whether it is valid. It reads the TXT record, resolves each mechanism and included domain, and flags problems that let spoofers impersonate you. Run it before sending campaigns to confirm your mail servers are authorized and your authentication setup is sound.
What the SPF record checker checks
The SPF record checker reads the single SPF TXT record on your domain and parses every part of it. It confirms the record starts with v=spf1, lists the ip4 and ip6 addresses you allow, and expands each include, a, and mx mechanism into the servers they authorize. It counts the DNS lookups those mechanisms trigger, since more than ten voids the record. The checker also inspects your closing qualifier, whether -all, ~all, or ?all, to show how strictly receivers should treat mail from unlisted sources. In short, it verifies that the sender policy you published actually describes the systems allowed to send for your domain.
How to read the results and fix issues
Start with the pass or fail status, then work through each flagged mechanism. If the checker reports too many DNS lookups, flatten nested includes or remove senders you no longer use to get back under the ten-lookup limit. A missing v=spf1 prefix or two SPF records on one domain both break authentication, so merge them into a single entry. Replace a stray +all, which authorizes everyone, with ~all or -all. When you add a new email platform, paste its recommended include and recheck. After editing your DNS TXT record, allow propagation time, then run the SPF record checker again to confirm every warning clears.
Why SPF matters for email deliverability
A valid SPF record is one of the signals mailbox providers use to decide whether your message belongs in the inbox or the spam folder. When SPF passes and aligns with your DMARC policy, receivers trust that the sending server is genuinely yours, which protects your domain reputation and sender score. A broken or missing record makes legitimate mail look forged, so it can be quarantined or rejected outright. It also leaves your domain open to spoofing, where attackers send phishing under your name. Checking SPF regularly keeps authentication healthy and supports the deliverability of every campaign, transactional email, and notification you send.
Frequently asked questions
Something else? Email support@brainito.com
What does the SPF Record Checker look for?
It fetches the SPF record published on your domain, validates the syntax, counts DNS lookups against the 10 lookup limit, and flags issues like multiple records or a missing all mechanism that cause receiving servers to mistrust your mail.
Why does the 10 DNS lookup limit matter?
SPF fails when evaluating a record requires more than 10 DNS lookups, and many senders hit that by stacking includes from different tools. When it happens, receiving servers can treat your mail as unauthenticated and filter it.
Is the SPF Record Checker free?
It is free to try. Every new Brainito account comes with 20 free credits, and each run costs 2 credits. It is worth rechecking whenever you add a sending service, since inbox providers keep tightening authentication requirements in 2026.
Where to go from here
The spf record checker answers one question. These are the next ones worth asking.
Check your SPF record in seconds and stop silent delivery failures
One account unlocks the spf record checker plus 320+ marketing tools, weekly audits and your action plan.
- 20 free credits when you sign up
- 2 credits per run
- No credit card required