Summary
An SPF record showing as neutral indicates that the sending domain isn't explicitly permitting or denying the sending IP address. Contributing factors include incorrect SPF record syntax, missing 'v=spf1' tag, the sending server's IP not being listed, DNS propagation delays, or exceeding DNS lookup limits. Verifying the record's publication for the correct return-path domain and using a 'hard fail' (-all) are crucial for robust protection. A neutral value (?all) is not recommended. DNS caching can also temporarily display outdated information.
Key findings
- Syntax Errors: Incorrect syntax, including a missing 'v=spf1' tag, in the SPF record leads to a neutral result.
- Missing IPs: The sending server's IP address not being authorized in the SPF record is a common cause.
- DNS Propagation: Recent updates to the SPF record might not have propagated, resulting in outdated information.
- Incorrect Return Path: The SPF record might not be published for the envelope from/return-path domain.
- Neutral Value Misuse: Using ?all creates an SPF none condition, which is not recommended.
- DNS Lookup Limit: Exceeding the DNS lookup limit due to multiple includes can lead to a neutral result.
- DNS Caching: DNS Caching may temporarily show outdated SPF records.
Key considerations
- Record Syntax: Review and correct any syntax errors, especially ensuring the presence of the 'v=spf1' tag.
- Authorized IPs: Include all sending server IP addresses in the SPF record.
- DNS Propagation Time: Allow sufficient time for DNS changes to propagate after updating the record.
- Envelope From Domain: Ensure the SPF record is published for the correct return-path domain.
- SPF Hard Fail: Implement a 'hard fail' (-all) in the SPF record for robust protection.
- Limit DNS Lookups: Stay within the DNS lookup limit when configuring your SPF record. Consider flattening to avoid exceeding the limit.
- Check Authentication-Results: Check the authentication-results section in email headers to confirm which domain is being checked.
What email marketers say
12 marketer opinions
An SPF record showing as neutral indicates that the sending domain isn't explicitly permitting or denying the sending IP address. This can stem from several reasons, including an incorrect SPF record syntax, missing 'v=spf1' tag, the sending server's IP not being listed in the SPF record, DNS propagation delays after updates, or exceeding DNS lookup limits. It's also crucial to verify the record is published for the correct return-path domain and to use a 'hard fail' (-all) for better protection. Furthermore, using a Neutral value (?all) is not recommended.
Key opinions
- Syntax Errors: Incorrect syntax in the SPF record can cause a neutral result.
- Missing IPs: The sending server's IP address not being authorized in the SPF record leads to a neutral outcome.
- DNS Propagation: Recent updates to the SPF record might not have propagated across the DNS system yet.
- Incorrect Return Path: The SPF record might not be published for the envelope from/return-path domain.
- Neutral Value Misuse: Using ?all in the SPF record might create an SPF none condition, which is not recommended.
Key considerations
- Record Syntax: Verify and correct any syntax errors in your SPF record.
- Authorized IPs: Ensure all sending server IP addresses are included in the SPF record.
- DNS Propagation Time: Allow sufficient time for DNS changes to propagate after updating your SPF record.
- Envelope From Domain: Check that the SPF record is published for the correct return-path domain.
- SPF Hard Fail: Use a 'hard fail' (-all) in your SPF record for better protection.
- DNS Lookups Limit: Avoid going over the DNS lookups limit of 10
Marketer view
Email marketer from EasyDMARC explains that an SPF record showing neutral can be because the sending server's IP address isn't listed in the SPF record, or the SPF record contains errors. A missing 'v=spf1' tag can also cause issues.
17 Jan 2023 - EasyDMARC
Marketer view
Email marketer from Stack Overflow explains SPF Neutral is when there is a valid SPF record but it does not explicitly Pass or Fail for the sending IP. An SPF record may exist, but it doesn't have an opinion about the current IP. The record could be misconfigured or purposefully setup to be neutral. Where as SPF None means that there is no SPF record found at all.
5 Jan 2022 - Stack Overflow
What the experts say
4 expert opinions
An SPF record might show as neutral for several reasons, including a missing 'v=' tag in the record itself, DNS caching issues at the receiving end, not using a 'hard fail' (-all), and exceeding the DNS lookup limit, particularly when using multiple third-party senders.
Key opinions
- Missing 'v=' Tag: The 'v=' tag is a crucial part of the SPF record. Its absence can cause issues.
- DNS Caching: DNS caching at the receiving side can sometimes display old information even after updates.
- Not Hard Fail: Using a 'soft fail' or neutral setting instead of a 'hard fail' in the SPF record can weaken its effectiveness.
- DNS Lookup Limit: Exceeding the DNS lookup limit due to multiple 'include:' mechanisms can result in a neutral outcome.
Key considerations
- Include 'v=' Tag: Ensure the SPF record includes the 'v=' tag with the correct syntax.
- DNS Propagation: Allow sufficient time for DNS changes to propagate and clear any cached information.
- Implement Hard Fail: Implement a 'hard fail' (-all) in your SPF record for better protection against unauthorized sending.
- Flatten SPF Record: To avoid exceeding the DNS lookup limit, flatten your SPF record by replacing 'include:' mechanisms with direct IP addresses.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks explains the v= is missing from the SPF record. The correct format should be "v=spf1 ip4:66.96.128.0/18 ~all"
17 Mar 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks shares it could be cached at the receiving side and visually the record looks good now though.
8 Sep 2022 - Email Geeks
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
An SPF record showing as neutral signifies that the domain owner has not explicitly authorized the sending IP address. This outcome can arise from configuration issues, an intentional decision not to employ SPF, incorrect syntax, or exceeding the DNS lookup limit due to too many 'include:' statements.
Key findings
- No Assertion: A neutral result means the domain doesn't assert whether the IP is authorized.
- Configuration Problem: Indicates a problem with the SPF record configuration.
- Syntax Error: Incorrect syntax can lead to a neutral result.
- DNS Lookups: Exceeding the DNS lookup limit can trigger a neutral response.
Key considerations
- Review Configuration: Examine the SPF record for configuration errors.
- Verify Syntax: Ensure the SPF record syntax is correct.
- Limit DNS Lookups: Consider the number of DNS lookups when configuring your SPF record and stay within the limit.
Technical article
Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains that an SPF result of Neutral means that the domain owner hasn't stated whether the IP address is authorized to send email on their behalf. This could indicate a problem with the SPF record configuration, or it could mean the domain intentionally doesn't use SPF.
12 Feb 2025 - Google Workspace Admin Help
Technical article
Documentation from Cloudflare explains that consider the number of DNS lookups when configuring your SPF record. Each 'include:' statement counts as a lookup, and exceeding the limit of 10 lookups can cause the SPF check to return 'neutral' or 'permerror'.
26 Jul 2021 - Cloudflare
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