What does an SPF validator check?

An SPF validator checks: syntax correctness (starts with v=spf1, valid mechanisms, proper qualifier), DNS lookup count (RFC 7208 limit of 10), void lookup count (limit of 2), deprecated mechanisms (ptr), multiple SPF records on the same domain (PermError), and proper use of the all qualifier.

What is the difference between an SPF checker and an SPF validator?

They are functionally the same tool. "SPF checker" typically emphasizes looking up the record, while "SPF validator" emphasizes checking it for errors. This tool does both — it retrieves the live record from DNS AND validates it against RFC 7208 rules.

How do I fix an invalid SPF record?

Common fixes: merge multiple SPF records into one (RFC 7208 requires exactly one per domain), reduce DNS lookups below 10 by flattening includes into IP addresses, remove deprecated ptr mechanisms, and ensure the record starts with v=spf1 and ends with a qualifier (-all, ~all, or ?all).

Free SPF Record Validator

Check any SPF record for syntax errors, DNS lookup limit violations, void lookups, deprecated mechanisms, and full RFC 7208 compliance — instantly and free.

Enter your domain name

We'll retrieve and analyze the live SPF record from DNS for your domain.

What Does This SPF Validator Check?

Syntax validation

Correct v=spf1 prefix, valid mechanisms, proper qualifiers

DNS lookup count

Must be ≤ 10 per RFC 7208 §4.6.4

Void lookup detection

Includes resolving to empty responses (≤ 2 allowed)

Deprecated mechanism warnings

Flags ptr usage (not recommended by RFC 7208 §5.5)

Macro detection

Identifies SPF macro syntax for dynamic resolution

Recursive include expansion

Full mechanism tree showing nested lookup chains

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