--- title: "How To Configure Mandrill SPF And Verify Email Authentication | DMARC Report" description: "Learn how to configure Mandrill SPF records and verify email authentication to improve deliverability, prevent spoofing, and ensure your emails reach inboxes." image: "https://dmarcreport.com/og/blog/how-to-configure-mandrill-spf-and-verify-email-authentication.png" canonical: "https://dmarcreport.com/blog/how-to-configure-mandrill-spf-and-verify-email-authentication/" --- Quick Answer To configure Mandrill SPF, add the required SPF mechanism to your domain’s DNS record according to Mandrill’s setup instructions. Ensure you have only one SPF record, then verify it using an SPF checker to confirm proper email authentication and improve deliverability. 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[ Check SPF Record → ](/tools/spf-checker/) Configuring Mandrill [email authentication](https://dmarcreport.com/blog/setting-up-dmarc-for-stronger-email-authentication-and-trust/) correctly is essential for verifying your sending domain and supporting email deliverability. Mailchimp Transactional, formerly known as Mandrill, requires sending-domain verification, DKIM configuration, and a **valid DMARC policy**. In this guide, you’ll learn how to configure these authentication settings, understand SPF requirements where applicable, verify your [DNS records](https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/dns/dns-records/), and troubleshoot common email authentication issues. ## What Mandrill SPF Is and Why It Matters for Email Deliverability Mandrill, now part of Mailchimp Transactional Email, is a transactional email service used to send application-generated messages such as password resets, receipts, account alerts, and product notifications through an API, SMTP, or SMTP relay. _To protect your sending reputation and improve email delivery, you need proper email authentication for the domain you use as the email sender_. Mandrill SPF refers to the SPF configuration that allows Mandrill to send email on behalf of your domain. SPF stands for [Sender Policy Framework](https://dmarcreport.com/what-is-spf/), an authentication protocol that tells receiving mail servers which systems are allowed to send mail for a domain. In practical terms, your SPF record is published as a **TXT record in DNS**, and it includes the Mandrill sending source using include:spf.mandrillapp.com. ![What Mandrill SPF Is and Why It Matters for Email Deliverability](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/what-is-dmarc-4306-1792582284927.jpg) SPF (Sender Policy Framework) allows receiving mail servers to check whether a sending source is authorized by the envelope sender domain’s SPF policy. For Mailchimp Transactional (formerly Mandrill), verify the actual sending and [return-path](https://www.sequenzy.com/glossary/return-path) configuration before deciding whether an SPF record needs to be updated. Do not add a Mandrill-specific SPF include unless the current provider documentation confirms it is required for your setup. This matters because email authentication directly affects inbox placement, spoofing protection, and phishing protection. If your Mandrill setup is incomplete, receiving servers may see Mandrill as an unauthorized sender. That can lead to an SPF error, failed SPF validation, lower trust signals, or rejected email. A correct mandrill spf implementation helps authenticate domain ownership, authorize Mandrill as a **legitimate sending platform**, and support better email delivery. SPF is only one part of domain authentication. For a complete Mandrill setup, you should also configure Mandrill DKIM and review DKIM settings inside Mailchimp Transactional. SPF confirms that the sending server is permitted; DKIM signs the message cryptographically; and domain checks confirm that the domain is correctly prepared for sending. ## Prerequisites: Accessing DNS, Identifying Your Sending Domain, and Reviewing Existing SPF Records Before updating DNS, identify the domain used in the visible “From” address for your Mandrill emails. For example, if your application sends messages from [billing@example.com](mailto:billing@example.com), the sending domain is example.com. However, the domain used for SPF evaluation may differ from the visible From domain, so check the envelope sender and your **actual sending configuration** before making changes. You also need access to your DNS management dashboard, which may be provided by Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Amazon Route 53, Namecheap, or another [DNS hosting](https://nordvpn.com/cybersecurity/glossary/dns-hosting/?srsltid=AU7gw4UY3SFLDbNXFh8ReXFjOcJn7l9j5rAJgC4iRBB11egk0o-sKhWk) provider. _SPF records are published as TXT records in DNS_. Before making changes, check whether an SPF record already exists for the relevant hostname. A hostname should not have multiple SPF records, as this can cause SPF validation failures. If you already use Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, SendGrid, Postmark, or another email service, review its SPF requirements alongside those of Mailchimp Transactional before changing your existing record. Add an SPF mechanism only when the actual sending configuration requires it, and keep **all necessary mechanisms** in a single SPF record for that hostname. ![Prerequisites: Accessing DNS, Identifying Your Sending Domain, and Reviewing Existing SPF Records](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/dmarc-record-generator-2039-1792582345806.jpg) For example, an existing SPF record for Google Workspace may look like this: ``` v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all ``` If your actual sending configuration requires an additional SPF mechanism, update the existing SPF record according to the relevant provider’s documentation. Do not add a Mandrill-specific include unless Mailchimp Transactional’s current instructions confirm it is required for your setup. Keep all authorized sending services in a single SPF record, and avoid creating multiple SPF records for the same hostname. This is a standard SPF include mechanism. It tells receivers that both Google and Mandrill are authorized sources. In this scenario, the SPF requirements are simple: keep a single SPF record, include include:spf.mandrillapp.com, avoid syntax errors, and save changes in the correct **DNS settings area**. Before modifying an SPF record, verify the sending configuration and consult the current Mailchimp Transactional documentation to determine whether any SPF changes are necessary. If an update is required, modify the existing SPF record rather than creating a second record for the same hostname. Ensure that all required sending services are authorized and that the final record stays within SPF’s [DNS lookup](https://threat.media/definition/what-is-a-dns-lookup/) limit. If you are using a tool such as Sendmarc, review Sendmarc SPF guidance or Sendmarc Documentation for SPF management and policy monitoring. A sendmarc spf workflow can help identify duplicate records, excessive DNS lookups, and misaligned email authentication. Mailchimp Docs, Mailchimp Developer resources, and official documentation from your DNS host are also useful references. [Stack Overflow](https://nhimg.org/glossary/stack-overflow/) discussions can **help with edge cases**, but always validate against the current spf setup documentation from Mailchimp. ## How to Add or Update Your SPF Record for Mandrill To configure email authentication for Mandrill, log in to your DNS dashboard and locate the DNS settings for your sending domain. _Follow the current Mailchimp Transactional instructions to verify your domain and configure the required authentication records_. Before changing your SPF configuration, check whether your domain already has an SPF record published as a [TXT record](https://www.digicert.com/faq/dns/what-is-a-txt-record). A domain should have only one SPF record for each hostname. For example, an existing SPF record for Google Workspace may look like this: ``` v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all ``` If your actual sending configuration requires additional SPF mechanisms, update the existing record according to the **relevant provider’s documentation**. Do not add include:spf.mandrillapp.com unless the current Mailchimp Transactional documentation confirms that it is required for your setup. After making any DNS changes, allow time for propagation and verify the records using your provider’s authentication checks. After you update SPF, save changes. DNS propagation can take minutes or several hours depending on the DNS host TTL settings. During this period, Mandrill SPF checks may temporarily fail even if your SPF configuration is correct. A reliable Mandrill SPF process looks like this: 1. Open your [DNS settings](https://www.ntchosting.com/encyclopedia/dns/settings/). 2. Find the existing SPF record or create a new SPF record. 3. Add include:spf.mandrillapp.com. 4. Save changes in the DNS control panel. 5. Wait for DNS propagation. 6. Run an SPF check to confirm the TXT record is visible. 7. Return to Mandrill or Mailchimp **Transactional and verify** domain authentication. The key objective is to authorize Mandrill as a valid sending platform for your domain. When you authorize Mandrill correctly, the SPF record tells receiving systems that Mandrill’s mail infrastructure can send on your behalf. This SPF configuration is essential for Mandrill SPF alignment and broader email authentication. ![How to Verify Mandrill Email Authentication with SPF, DKIM, and Domain Checks](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/dmarc-generator-8509-1792582405155.jpg) ### How to Verify Mandrill Email Authentication with SPF, DKIM, and Domain Checks After updating your DNS settings, verify your sending domain in Mailchimp Transactional. _Open the domain authentication settings and follow the available verification checks to confirm that your DNS records are configured correctly_. - **Verify SPF**: Check the envelope sender domain and inspect the SPF result in the received email headers. Confirm that the published SPF record authorizes the actual sending source, where applicable. Do not assume a specific Mandrill SPF include is required without checking your current configuration. - **Verify DKIM**: Confirm that the required DKIM [CNAME records](https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/cname) match the values provided in your Mailchimp Transactional account. Send a test email and inspect its headers to verify that the DKIM signature passes. - **Verify DMARC**: Confirm that a valid DMARC TXT record is published at `_dmarc`. Check the test email’s authentication results to determine whether DMARC passes through an aligned SPF result or an aligned DKIM signature. #### Troubleshooting Common Mandrill Email Authentication Errors If email authentication fails, review the relevant DNS records and message headers before making changes. - **SPF failure**: Check the [envelope sender](https://www.pobox.help/hc/en-us/articles/1500000196901-What-is-an-envelope-sender) domain, its SPF record, and the reported SPF result. - **DKIM failure**: Verify the DKIM CNAME **hostnames and targets** against the values shown in your account. - **Domain verification failure**: Confirm that you completed the required domain-verification steps. - **DMARC failure**: Check that the DMARC record is valid and that at least one passing authentication method, SPF or DKIM, aligns with the visible From domain. - **DNS errors**: Check for incorrect hostnames, record types, or values, and allow time for DNS changes to propagate. - **Multiple SPF records**: Ensure that each hostname has only one SPF record. Multiple SPF records for the same hostname can cause authentication failures. Also monitor SPF’s limit of 10 DNS-query-causing terms per evaluation. Review nested lookups and remove unnecessary mechanisms if the limit is exceeded. Only change SPF records after confirming which sending services require authorization. ![Mastering Mandrill Email Authentication: SPF, DKIM & DMARC Setup](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/create-dmarc-record-5820-1792582454195.jpg) ##### Best Practices for Ongoing Email Authentication Maintain an up-to-date inventory of the services authorized to send email for your domain. Document the SPF, [DKIM](https://dmarcreport.com/blog/dkim-explained-how-dkim-works-and-why-is-dkim-important-for-organizations/), and DMARC settings associated with each service, and review them whenever your **email infrastructure changes**. When adding or removing an email provider, confirm which DNS records are required and whether existing records are still used by other services. Remove obsolete entries only after verifying that they are no longer needed. Periodically review authentication results and [DMARCReports](https://dmarcreport.com/) to identify unauthorized senders, [configuration errors](https://www.secureblink.com/threat-feeds/15-b-outage-cloudflare-configuration-error-triggers-major-internet-crash), and alignment failures. _Refer to the current Mailchimp Transactional documentation when updating Mandrill authentication settings, and verify DNS changes before relying on them in production_. ![Brad Slavin](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/images/team/brad-slavin.jpg) [ Brad Slavin ](/authors/brad-slavin/) General Manager General Manager of DuoCircle. Product strategy and commercial lead for DMARC Report's 2,000+ customer base. [LinkedIn Profile →](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradslavin) ## Take control of your DMARC reports Turn raw XML into actionable dashboards. Start free - no credit card required. [Start Free Trial](https://app.dmarcreport.com/signup?plan=free) [Check Your DMARC Record](/tools/dmarc-checker/) AutoSPF Automatic SPF Flattening Streamline your SPF record management, enable DMARC compliance, and improve your email deliverability by fixing the SPF 10-lookup limitation. [ Fix My SPF Record! → ](https://autospf.com/pricing/?utm%5Fsource=dmarcreport&utm%5Fmedium=blog-sidebar&utm%5Fcampaign=autospf-cross-promo&utm%5Fcontent=fix-my-spf) [ See How It Works ](https://autospf.com/how-it-works/?utm%5Fsource=dmarcreport&utm%5Fmedium=blog-sidebar&utm%5Fcampaign=autospf-cross-promo&utm%5Fcontent=how-it-works) Share this article [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdmarcreport.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-configure-mandrill-spf-and-verify-email-authentication%2F) [ ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=How%20To%20Configure%20Mandrill%20SPF%20And%20Verify%20Email%20Authentication&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdmarcreport.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-configure-mandrill-spf-and-verify-email-authentication%2F) [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdmarcreport.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-configure-mandrill-spf-and-verify-email-authentication%2F) Copy Related Articles - [ ![10 Reasons Why DKIM Fails](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/images/2022/04/dmarc-alignment-6379.jpg) 10 Reasons Why DKIM Fails Intermediate ](/blog/10-reasons-why-dkim-fails/) - [ ![cybersecurity news](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/dmarc-check-9711-1784029121308.jpg) Accenture Sourcecode Breached, JADEPUFFER AI Ransomware, GodDamn Disables Windows Intermediate ](/blog/accenture-sourcecode-breached-jadepuffer-ai-ransomware-goddamn-disables-windows/) - [ ![Cybersecurity Threats Weekly Roundup](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/dmarc-lookup-2281-1792584391252.jpg) Ahold Delhaize Cyberattack, French Supermarkets Hacked, Spyware Through Ads Intermediate ](/blog/ahold-delhaize-cyberattack-french-supermarkets-hacked-spyware-through-ads/) - [ ![AppRiver SPF Record](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/dmarc-check-7224-1785846270575.jpg) AppRiver SPF Record: How To Set It Up (Owned By Zix) Intermediate ](/blog/appriver-spf-record-setup-guide-for-zix-email-security-platform/) ## Related Articles [ Intermediate 4m 10 Reasons Why DKIM Fails Apr 19, 2022 ](/blog/10-reasons-why-dkim-fails/)[ Intermediate Accenture Sourcecode Breached, JADEPUFFER AI Ransomware, GodDamn Disables Windows Jul 14, 2026 ](/blog/accenture-sourcecode-breached-jadepuffer-ai-ransomware-goddamn-disables-windows/)[ Intermediate Ahold Delhaize Cyberattack, French Supermarkets Hacked, Spyware Through Ads Oct 21, 2026 ](/blog/ahold-delhaize-cyberattack-french-supermarkets-hacked-spyware-through-ads/)[ Intermediate AppRiver SPF Record: How To Set It Up (Owned By Zix) Aug 4, 2026 ](/blog/appriver-spf-record-setup-guide-for-zix-email-security-platform/) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138898167","name":"DMARC Report","url":"https://dmarcreport.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://dmarcreport.com/images/dmarcreport-logo.png"},"description":"DMARC reporting and email authentication management. 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