Suped

Summary

Resolving SPF SOFTFAIL errors after moving to a dedicated IP requires addressing multiple potential issues. An SPF SOFTFAIL indicates an SPF issue, signaling that while the sending server is authorized, the receiving server has reservations due to factors like DNS propagation delays or incorrect SPF syntax. Key steps include ensuring the accurate addition of the dedicated IP to the SPF record and allowing sufficient time for DNS propagation (24-48 hours). The presence of multiple SPF TXT records is invalid and necessitates consolidation into a single record. If AWS is in use, verify whether it employs a distinct return-path domain, potentially eliminating SPF alignment needs. Those using ONDMARC should confirm any required DNS modifications through their interface. It's also crucial to ensure the new IP is present in the Mailgun SPF record if in use. Ensure you remove outdated IPs, use SPF testing tools to validate the record, simplify SPF records for reduced complexity, adhere to SPF character limits, and ensure all domains have correctly configured SPF records. In the case of email forwarding, consider using SRS.

Key findings

  • SOFTFAIL meaning: SOFTFAIL signifies an SPF issue necessitating investigation.
  • SPF Record Accuracy: The dedicated IP must be accurately reflected in the SPF record.
  • DNS Propagation Time: Sufficient time (24-48 hours) is required for DNS propagation.
  • Multiple SPF Records: Multiple SPF TXT records are invalid and must be consolidated.
  • SPF Record Validation: Use SPF testing tools to confirm the accuracy and validity of the SPF record.
  • Record simplification: Simplified SPF records reduces troubleshooting complexity and DNS lookups.

Key considerations

  • Outdated IP Addresses: Remove old, outdated IP addresses from the SPF record.
  • Syntax Verification: Validate SPF record syntax for errors.
  • Character Limit: Consider any SPF character limits
  • AWS Considerations: Determine if AWS utilizes a separate return-path domain.
  • ONDMARC Configuration: Check ONDMARC configuration
  • Forwarding: Consider if SRS is required

What email marketers say

8 marketer opinions

Resolving SPF SOFTFAIL errors after migrating to a dedicated IP address involves several key steps. First, confirm the new dedicated IP is correctly included in the SPF record with correct syntax and that DNS propagation is complete, which may take 24-48 hours. Remove any outdated IP addresses from the SPF record to avoid conflicts. Simplify complex SPF records to reduce DNS lookups by using `ip4` and `ip6` mechanisms directly and use online tools to validate SPF records after updates. Consider character limits and keep SPF records concise. Ensure all domains used for sending email have correctly configured SPF records and use command line tools to test records. If using email forwarding, implement Sender Rewriting Scheme (SRS) to mitigate SPF issues.

Key opinions

  • SPF Record Accuracy: The dedicated IP must be correctly added to the SPF record with correct syntax.
  • DNS Propagation: Sufficient time must be given for DNS changes to propagate (24-48 hours).
  • Outdated IPs: Old shared IP addresses should be removed from the SPF record to prevent conflicts.
  • Record Complexity: Simplified SPF records reduce troubleshooting complexity and DNS lookups.
  • SPF Character Limit: Character limits can impact effectiveness of SPF record.
  • Forwarding Issues: SPF has issues with forwarding, so SRS may be needed.

Key considerations

  • Syntax Validation: Use online SPF testing tools to check for syntax errors.
  • Complexity Reduction: Use `ip4` and `ip6` mechanisms to simplify records.
  • SPF Management: Keep SPF records concise.
  • Command Line Testing: Utilize command line tools like MXToolbox for SPF lookups.
  • Multidomain Considerations: Ensure all domains are correctly set up with SPF for the dedicated IP.

Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit shares ensuring sufficient time for DNS propagation after updating the SPF record is critical. Sometimes, the SOFTFAIL is temporary, and waiting 24-48 hours can resolve the issue as DNS records update across the internet.

6 Dec 2024 - Reddit

Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailOnAcid answers that a complex SPF record with multiple includes can make troubleshooting difficult. Consider simplifying the record by using `ip4` and `ip6` mechanisms directly where possible to reduce DNS lookups.

19 Sep 2023 - EmailOnAcid

What the experts say

8 expert opinions

Resolving SPF SOFTFAIL errors after moving to a dedicated IP involves identifying the root cause of the SPF issue. A key problem is often multiple SPF TXT records, which are invalid and need to be combined into a single record. Ensure the SPF record accurately reflects the new IP address. If using AWS, it may not be listed due to a separate return-path domain. If using ONDMARC, DNS changes might be managed through them. Verify the dedicated IP's presence in the mailgun SPF record. Maintain SPF records and include all legitimate sending sources. A SOFTFAIL often indicates a mismatch in the SPF setup.

Key opinions

  • SPF Issue Indication: SOFTFAIL indicates an SPF configuration issue.
  • Multiple SPF Records: Multiple SPF TXT records are invalid and must be combined.
  • Accurate IP Reflection: The SPF record must accurately reflect the new dedicated IP.
  • ONDMARC Integration: ONDMARC DNS changes might need to be handled through their interface.
  • Mailgun SPF Record: The dedicated IP's presence needs verification in the Mailgun SPF record, where applicable.

Key considerations

  • Return-Path Domain: Consider if AWS uses a separate return-path domain, negating SPF alignment needs.
  • ONDMARC Configuration: Consult Red Sift regarding ONDMARC configuration requirements.
  • Record Maintenance: Maintain your SPF records and include all legitimate sending sources.

Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks suggests Tiffani is using ONDMARC and might need to make DNS changes through them and Al Iverson recommends asking Red Sift about ONDMARC configuration, but that fixing the SPF won't hurt anything.

4 Nov 2022 - Email Geeks

Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise responds that maintaining your SPF records and ensuring they include all legitimate sending sources for your domain is essential. A SOFTFAIL is a sign that at least one of your authorized sending sources may not be correctly authenticated and should be investigated.

18 Dec 2022 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says

5 technical articles

Resolving SPF SOFTFAIL errors when moving to a dedicated IP requires attention to several details. A SOFTFAIL indicates the sending server is authorized but with reservations, often due to DNS propagation delays or syntax errors. Critical SPF record syntax includes avoiding exceeding the 10 DNS lookup limit; use flattening or `ip4` and `ip6` mechanisms to resolve this. If using `include` mechanisms, ensure each included domain has a valid SPF record. The `~all` qualifier means the mail server may be subject to scrutiny, however, the email should still be accepted. DNS propagation typically takes 24-48 hours; use `dig` and `nslookup` to verify DNS resolution.

Key findings

  • SOFTFAIL Meaning: SOFTFAIL indicates authorization with reservations due to DNS or syntax issues.
  • DNS Lookup Limit: Exceeding 10 DNS lookups causes SOFTFAIL; use flattening or `ip4`/`ip6` mechanisms.
  • Include Validation: Ensure each included domain in SPF has a valid record.
  • Tilde Qualifier: The `~all` qualifier indicates acceptance with scrutiny.
  • DNS Propagation Time: DNS propagation takes 24-48 hours.

Key considerations

  • SPF Syntax: Verify SPF record syntax to avoid errors.
  • DNS Tooling: Use `dig` and `nslookup` to verify DNS resolution.
  • Record Flattening: Consider SPF record flattening to stay under DNS lookup limit.

Technical article

Documentation from DMARC Analyzer explains when using `include` mechanisms in SPF records, make sure each included domain has a valid SPF record. A non-existent or misconfigured SPF record in an included domain can lead to unexpected results, including SOFTFAIL.

17 Dec 2023 - DMARC Analyzer

Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft details the SPF record syntax is critical. One common mistake is exceeding the 10 DNS lookup limit, which can cause SPF checks to return a SOFTFAIL. Flattening the SPF record or using mechanisms like `ip4` and `ip6` can resolve this.

30 Dec 2021 - Microsoft

Start improving your email deliverability today

Sign up
    How to resolve SPF SOFTFAIL errors when moving to a dedicated IP address? - Troubleshooting - Email deliverability - Knowledge base - Suped