Not to be confused with sunscreen! An SPF (Sender Policy Framework) record is a TXT DNS record that servers will check against to see if the IP address trying to send mail to that server is permitted by the domain to do so.
Receiving Mailserver: “Hey <Domain>, is <IP Address> allowed to send Emails on behalf of your <Domain>?”
SPF: “Yes, go ahead and accept!” or “No! This is likely to be spam!”
SPF is enabled by default for domains using the ns1.ahcloud.co.uk and ns2.ahcloud.co.uk nameservers however if you are using your own nameservers or your domain name registrars nameservers then please ensure the Shared or Dedicated IP Address (as displayed in your cPanel interface) is included in your SPF record along with an “+a” value.
You can configure SPF Records in your cPanel under Email Deliverability or Zone Editor -> Manage
If you have a MailChannels solution then you should add the following to your record.
+include:relay.mailchannels.net
As an example, our SPF record looks like this:
v=spf1 +a +mx ip4:77.74.194.114 ip4:78.157.221.202 +include:relay.mailchannels.net ~all
Please find a compiled list of guides to adding an SPF record under your domain by popular registrars.
The IP address you need to add can be found in your cPanel account on the right hand side under “Shared IP Address” or “Dedicated IP Address”
GoDaddy
Namecheap
PorkBun
123-reg
IONOS
If you need assistance with your SPF record then please feel free to reach out to us at support@allhost.co.uk
Please also see our Improving Mail Deliverability guide.