Summary
To resolve SPF failures with Hover and Netlify, ensure you have a single TXT record containing your SPF configuration. This record should start with `v=spf1` and include all authorized sending sources. For Hover, use `include:_spf.hostedemail.com` instead of `include:hover.com`. Verify the syntax, and use SPF testing tools like MXToolbox to check for errors. When using Netlify DNS or Cloudflare, ensure their configurations are correct. Be mindful of the 10 DNS lookup limit, and use `ip4` and `ip6` mechanisms where possible. Allow up to 48 hours for DNS propagation. Understand the difference between softfail and hardfail, and configure the appropriate qualifier at the end of your SPF record.
Key findings
- Single TXT Record: Use only one SPF record, configured as a TXT record, to avoid conflicts.
- Correct Syntax: Ensure the SPF record starts with `v=spf1`.
- Authorized Sources: Include all authorized sending sources, such as Hover and Netlify.
- Testing Tools: Use SPF testing tools to check for errors.
- DNS Propagation: Allow up to 48 hours for DNS changes to propagate.
Key considerations
- Hover Include: Use `include:_spf.hostedemail.com` instead of `include:hover.com`.
- Third-Party Services: Include SPF records for all third-party services sending emails on your behalf.
- DNS Lookup Limit: Keep the number of DNS lookups below 10 to avoid SPF failures.
- Netlify/Cloudflare: Ensure correct configuration when using Netlify DNS or Cloudflare.
- Softfail/Hardfail: Understand and configure softfail (~all) and hardfail (-all) appropriately.
What email marketers say
12 marketer opinions
To resolve SPF failures when using Hover and Netlify, ensure your SPF record is a single TXT record with correct syntax (v=spf1...). Include necessary services like Hover's `_spf.hostedemail.com` (avoiding the corporate `hover.com` include), and any other third-party senders. Use online SPF testing tools to check for errors, and allow up to 48 hours for DNS propagation. Be aware of the difference between softfail and hardfail settings. When using services like Netlify DNS or Cloudflare, verify their specific configurations.
Key opinions
- Single TXT Record: Ensure only one SPF record exists as a TXT record to avoid conflicts.
- Correct Syntax: Verify the SPF record's syntax is correct (v=spf1...) to prevent errors.
- Essential Includes: Include only necessary services, such as `_spf.hostedemail.com` for Hover.
- Testing Tools: Use online SPF testing tools to diagnose issues like syntax errors.
- DNS Propagation: Allow up to 48 hours for DNS changes to propagate fully.
Key considerations
- Hover Includes: Avoid using the `include:hover.com` directive, as it may include unnecessary corporate entries.
- Third-Party Services: If using third-party email services, include their SPF records in your DNS settings.
- Softfail vs Hardfail: Understand the implications of using softfail (~all) versus hardfail (-all) in your SPF record.
- Netlify DNS: If using Netlify DNS, ensure the SPF record is correctly configured within Netlify's settings.
- Cloudflare Settings: If using Cloudflare, verify that DNS records are properly configured to avoid interference with SPF.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email Geeks suggests not to `include:hover.com` as it adds corporate includes that are likely unnecessary, recommending that the first include `include:_spf.hostedemail.com` should be sufficient.
5 Apr 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit shares that SPF records must be entered as TXT records in your DNS settings. Ensure the syntax is correct (v=spf1...) and includes all services sending emails on your behalf (e.g., include:sendgrid.net).
19 Nov 2022 - Reddit
What the experts say
3 expert opinions
To fix SPF failures with Hover and Netlify, ensure you are using a TXT record instead of an SPF record (as SPF records are obsolete). Verify that the correct `include` mechanisms for both Hover and Netlify are present and resolve correctly. Also, optimize your SPF record to stay within the 10 DNS lookup limit and avoid deprecated mechanisms by minimizing includes and ensuring only legitimate sending sources are included.
Key opinions
- TXT Record: Use TXT records instead of SPF records.
- Correct Includes: Include the correct mechanisms for Hover and Netlify.
- Resolving Includes: Ensure includes resolve to authorized sending IPs.
Key considerations
- DNS Lookup Limit: Optimize to stay within the 10 DNS lookup limit.
- Deprecated Mechanisms: Avoid using deprecated SPF mechanisms.
- Source Verification: Ensure only legitimate sending sources are included.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks explains that SPF records are obsolete and not used, suggesting the use of a TXT record with the same content instead.
29 Jun 2023 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that common SPF misconfigurations include exceeding the 10 DNS lookup limit and using deprecated mechanisms. To fix SPF fails with Hover and Netlify, optimize your SPF record by minimizing the number of includes and ensuring there are no unnecessary lookups, while still covering all legitimate sending sources.
3 Jun 2024 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
To resolve SPF failures with Hover and Netlify, it is important to create SPF records as TXT records in your DNS zone file. The record should start with `v=spf1` and include all authorized sending sources using mechanisms like `include`, `a`, `mx`, `ip4`, and `ip6`. Ensure the record is correctly formatted to avoid authentication failures. Use tools like MXToolbox to check for syntax errors and other common problems. Keep the total number of DNS lookups below 10 to prevent SPF from failing.
Key findings
- TXT Record Type: SPF records must be created as TXT records in the DNS zone file.
- Correct Syntax: The record should start with `v=spf1`.
- Authorized Sources: Include all authorized sending sources using mechanisms like `include`, `a`, `mx`, `ip4`, and `ip6`.
- Lookup Limit: SPF records have a limit of 10 DNS lookups.
Key considerations
- Error Checking: Use tools like MXToolbox to check for syntax errors and other common problems.
- Mechanism Usage: Use `include` statements wisely and consider `ip4` and `ip6` mechanisms where possible to stay within the lookup limit.
- Qualifier Ending: End with a qualifier such as `~all` or `-all` to specify how receivers should handle messages that fail SPF checks.
Technical article
Documentation from RFC answers that SPF records have a limit of 10 DNS lookups. Exceeding this limit can cause SPF to fail. Use `include` statements wisely and consider using `ip4` and `ip6` mechanisms where possible.
2 Aug 2023 - RFC Documentation
Technical article
Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help answers that SPF records should begin with `v=spf1` and include mechanisms like `include`, `a`, `mx`, `ip4`, and `ip6` to specify authorized sending sources. End with a qualifier such as `~all` or `-all`.
27 Feb 2023 - Google Workspace Admin Help
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