Google Postmaster Tools might report SPF authentication failures despite an SPF record being set up due to a multitude of reasons. Common issues include exceeding the DNS lookup limit (10), syntax errors within the SPF record, DNS propagation delays after changes, the sending server's IP not being authorized, HELO domain checks failing, and SPF issues in forwarding scenarios. Additionally, there may be delays in data reporting by Google Postmaster Tools itself. Other factors include DMARC alignment issues due to header/envelope from domain mismatches, incorrect Return-Path SPF records, and missing SPF records for subdomains. Proper SPF record validation and consolidation, correct subdomain setup, and allowing for DNS propagation delays are essential.
11 marketer opinions
Google Postmaster Tools may report SPF authentication failures despite having an SPF record for several reasons. These include delays in data reporting, SPF records exceeding the DNS lookup limit (more than 10 lookups), incorrect syntax or typos in the SPF record, using multiple SPF records, the 'header from' domain not matching the 'envelope from' domain (causing DMARC alignment issues), problems with the Return-Path domain's SPF record, issues with HELO domain and missing SPF records for subdomains. It's recommended to validate SPF record setup with online tools.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Quora explains that Google Postmaster Tools reporting failed SPF record indicates your SPF record contains errors. Recommends that you check the syntax of the SPF record using online SPF checkers.
30 Apr 2025 - Quora
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email Discussions highlights that having multiple SPF records for a single domain is invalid and can cause unpredictable results. They advise consolidating all SPF mechanisms into a single SPF record.
19 Aug 2024 - Email Discussions
2 expert opinions
Google Postmaster Tools may report SPF authentication failures even with a correct SPF record due to the 'HELO' domain not being included in the SPF record (as some servers check the HELO domain) or due to issues in email forwarding scenarios where the authenticating IP needs to be the original sender and authenticate at both the initial sending and forward.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that Google Postmaster Tools might show SPF failures in forwarding scenarios. The IP authenticating needs to be the original sender and needs to authenticate at the initial sending and the forward.
14 Jul 2022 - Word to the Wise
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource responds that although your SPF record may be technically correct, the 'HELO' domain (the domain presented by the sending server during the SMTP handshake) may not be included in the SPF record. Some receiving mail servers perform SPF checks on the HELO domain, not just the MAIL FROM domain.
18 Jul 2021 - Spam Resource
5 technical articles
Google Postmaster Tools may display SPF authentication failures even when an SPF record is present due to several technical reasons. These include exceeding the 10 DNS lookup limit within the SPF record, permanent errors in the SPF record syntax, DNS propagation delays following SPF record changes, and the sending server's IP address not being listed as an authorized sender in the SPF record.
Technical article
Documentation from EasyDMARC explains that SPF fails if the sending server's IP address is not listed in the SPF record as an authorized sender.
8 Nov 2022 - EasyDMARC
Technical article
Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains that if your SPF records exceed the 10 DNS lookup limit, it will cause SPF to fail and they suggest flattening your SPF records.
23 Sep 2021 - Google Workspace Admin Help
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