How to Update TXT and SPF Records - DNS Management

Sender Policy Framework (SPF) and the related TXT files are used to verify domain ownership and implement email security measures to reduce spam and domain spoofing. SPF is a DNS record that provides text information to sources outside the domain that can be used for several purposes. The record's value can be either human- or machine-readable text.

Let us break down the sample SPF record above to learn what it means.

• v=spf1 - Sets the SPF version being used.
• mx - Allows the domain’s MX details to send an email.
• include - Includes Google mail servers as authorized servers.
• ip4:12.34.567.8 - This IP address will pass.
• -all - Any other IP address will fail.

SPF vs TXT

An SPF TXT record is a DNS record that verifies the domain name from which email messages are sent, thereby preventing spoofing and phishing. SPF validates the origin of email messages by comparing the sender's IP address to the alleged owner of the sending domain. It is suggested that SPF records be regenerated as TXT SPF records as they are no longer supported. From this perspective, we can claim that by their very nature, these SPF records are likewise TXT records. However, they are used specifically for email.
 
TXT records, on the other hand, have a far broader range of applications. TXT records can also be used to publish DKIM and DMARC records, as well as to demonstrate domain ownership.

To check the DNS Glossary, please visit DNS Records Explained - Domain Name System Management.
 

How to Manage SPF Records

1. Log in to your Account Manager.
2. Click Domains in the left-hand menu.

   

3. Navigate to your domain's management page.

   If you have a single domain in your account, you'll be redirected to the domain management page right away.

   If you have multiple domains in your account, click the domain or the vertical ellipsis under the Actions column on the right, and then click Manage.

   

4. On the domain management page, scroll down to the Advanced Tools section.
5. Click Manage right beside Advanced DNS Records.

   

6. In the pop-up, click the Continue button to proceed.

   

7. On the Manage Advanced DNS Records page:

   To add a new TXT record:

   1. Click the + Add Record button on the right.

      

   2. Select TXT from the Type drop-down menu.
   3. Fill out the details of the TXT record.

      

   4. Click the Add button to save the new TXT record.

   To edit an existing TXT record:

   1. Scroll down to the TXT section.
   2. Select the TXT record you need to manage, click the vertical ellipsis on the right, and select Edit.

      

   3. Make the necessary changes to the TXT record.

      

   4. Click the Edit button to save your changes.