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Multiple SPF Records Error: Causes and Fixes

SPF failures are hard to notice. You may not see any clear warning, but your emails can start going to spam or not get delivered at all. One common reason for this is a simple mistake: your domain has more than one SPF record.
Multiple SPF Records Error: Causes and Fixes

SPF works with only one record that lists all allowed senders. When there are multiple SPF records, receiving servers get confused. They do not know which record to trust. This causes a permanent error, also called a permerror. As a result, email authentication fails and your deliverability drops.

In this blog, you will learn why multiple SPF records happen, how to fix them, and the best practices to keep your SPF setup simple and reliable in 2026. If you are new to the topic, start with our guide on what an SPF record is.

What is the "SPF Multiple Records" Error?

The SPF multiple records error happens when your domain has more than one SPF record in its DNS.

SPF is designed to work with only one TXT record per domain. This single record should include all the services that are allowed to send emails on your behalf. When you add more than one SPF record, email servers cannot decide which one to check.

Because of this confusion, receiving servers return a permerror. This means the SPF check fails completely, even if one of your records is correct.

As a result:

  • Your emails may fail authentication
  • Messages can land in spam
  • Some emails may not get delivered at all

Common Reasons for the Existence of Multiple SPF Records

Here are the most common reasons behind this issue:

Multiple Tools Adding Their Own SPF

Many email services automatically ask you to add an SPF record during setup. If you use multiple tools, such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or marketing tools, each may create its own record. Over time, this leads to multiple SPF records.

Poor Coordination Between Teams or Vendors

Different teams or external vendors may manage email systems without full visibility of your DNS setup. One team adds a new SPF record without checking the existing one.

Incorrect Use of the "include" Statements

A common mistake is not understanding how to use multiple include entries. You can have multiple include statements inside a single SPF record, which is correct. But creating a separate SPF record with multiple include entries instead of merging them into a single record results in errors.

Example of SPF Record (Correct vs Incorrect)

Let's look at a simple example of an SPF record to understand the difference.

Incorrect: Two Separate SPF Records

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all

v=spf1 include:spf.mailchimp.com ~all

Since there are two SPF records for one domain, receiving servers do not know which one to use. This results in a permerror and SPF fails completely.

Correct: One Combined SPF Record

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:spf.mailchimp.com ~all

This is the right way to do it. You combine all sending sources into a single SPF record using multiple include statements. If you are unsure about which symbol to use at the end, see our guide on SPF soft fail vs hard fail vs neutral.

How to Check If You Have Multiple SPF Records

It's easy to check if your domain has multiple SPF records. Here are two simple ways:

Use an SPF Lookup Tool

The quickest option is to use an SPF lookup tool. Just enter your domain, and it will show your SPF record along with any issues. It clearly tells you if you have more than one SPF record, missing records, or other errors. This is the best option if you want fast, accurate results without delving into technical details.

Use Command Line (nslookup)

You can also view the SPF record using nslookup in your terminal. Here's a quick example:

nslookup -type=txt yourdomain.com

This command shows all TXT records for your domain. Look for entries that start with v=spf1. If you see only one, your setup is correct. If you see multiple v=spf1 records, you have an issue.

How to Fix the "Multiple SPF Records" Error

Fixing this error is not complicated. You just need to clean up your DNS and combine everything properly. Follow these steps:

Identify All SPF Records Existing for Your Domain

Once you follow the instructions given above and extract all the SPF records corresponding to your domain, list all the services or sending sources mentioned in them.

Merge Into a Single Record

Now combine all the sending sources into one SPF record. Instead of keeping separate records, you should create a single entry that includes everything. But merging does not mean simply copying and pasting multiple records into one line.

You must:

  • Keep only one v=spf1 at the start
  • Add all services using include statements
  • Use only one ending mechanism like ~all, -all, or ?all

For example, do not do this:

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all v=spf1 include:spf.mailchimp.com ~all

Instead, merge it properly like this:

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:spf.mailchimp.com ~all

Remove Duplicate Records

Once your combined SPF record is ready, delete the extra ones from your DNS. Only one SPF record should remain. Keeping old or duplicate records will continue to cause errors, even if your new record is correct.

Watch the 10 DNS lookup limit

SPF allows a maximum of 10 DNS lookups. If you add too many include statements, you may hit this limit and cause another error. So while combining records, keep your SPF simple and avoid unnecessary include entries. Tools like EasyDMARC's EasySPF can flatten and optimize your record to stay under the limit.

Conclusion: Fix Multiple SPF Records Before They Hurt Deliverability

Having multiple SPF records may look like a small setup issue, but it can seriously impact your email deliverability. When you have more than one SPF record, authentication fails, and your emails may never reach the inbox.

The fix is simple. Keep only one SPF record, use include statements correctly, and review your setup regularly. A clean SPF configuration ensures better trust and consistent email performance.

If this feels too technical, you are not alone. SPF is sensitive and even small mistakes can cause big problems. EasyDMARC's team can help you fix and manage your SPF correctly. Start a free trial and get it sorted without the stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can multiple SPF records affect DMARC alignment?

Yes, they can. If SPF fails due to multiple records, DMARC may also fail because it relies on SPF or DKIM passing. This can lead to emails being rejected or sent to spam.

How long does it take for SPF record changes to take effect?

SPF changes depend on your DNS TTL settings. In most cases, updates can take anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours to fully propagate across all servers.

Does having multiple SPF records impact all email providers the same way?

Not always. Some providers strictly fail SPF when multiple records exist, while others may handle it differently. However, relying on inconsistent behavior is risky and can harm deliverability.

Can subdomains have separate SPF records?

Yes, subdomains can and should have their own SPF records if they send emails independently. The rule of one SPF record applies per domain or subdomain, not across the entire root domain.