Combining SPF Records

DNS only allows one SPF record per domain. If you already have an SPF record for another email service (such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or another provider), you need to merge them into a single TXT record rather than creating a separate one for ImprovMX.

How to Combine SPF Records

To combine SPF records, merge all the include: statements from each provider into a single record.

Example

If your existing SPF record is:

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all

And ImprovMX requires:

v=spf1 include:spf.improvmx.com ~all

Your combined SPF record should be:

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:spf.improvmx.com ~all

Rules for Combining

• Only one v=spf1 prefix: Every SPF record must start with exactly one v=spf1 declaration at the beginning.
• Only one ~all or -all suffix: The record must end with exactly one "all" mechanism. Use ~all (softfail) for most cases, or -all (hardfail) for stricter enforcement.
• Combine all include: statements: List all the include statements from your various providers between the prefix and suffix.
• SPF lookup limit: SPF records have a limit of 10 DNS lookups. Each include: counts as at least one lookup. If you exceed this limit, your SPF record may fail validation.

More Examples

Combining with Microsoft 365

v=spf1 include:spf.protection.outlook.com include:spf.improvmx.com ~all

Combining with Zoho Mail

v=spf1 include:zoho.com include:spf.improvmx.com ~all

Combining with multiple providers

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:spf.improvmx.com include:sendgrid.net ~all

Note: After updating your SPF record, return to your ImprovMX dashboard to verify the record is detected correctly. DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate.