SPF Record GoDaddy Office 365: How To set it right (2024)

Email spoofing and phishing attacks have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, posing significant threats to individuals and businesses.

To combat these malicious activities, SPF (Sender Policy Framework) records play a crucial role in verifying the authenticity of email sources.

If you use Office 365 in GoDaddy for your email services, setting up and correctly configuring SPF records is essential to safeguarding your domain’s reputation and ensuring successful email delivery.

In this blog post, we will explore the correct syntax for an SPF record in Office 365 with GoDaddy, how to verify its configuration, and troubleshooting tips for resolving any SPF record issues.

What is the Correct Syntax for an SPF Record for Office 365 in GoDaddy?

To set up an SPF record for Office 365 in GoDaddy, you need to add a TXT record that specifies the mail servers permitted to send emails on behalf of your domain.

The correct syntax for an SPF record for Office 365 in GoDaddy is:

v=spf1 include:spf.protection.outlook.com -all

This SPF record indicates that only the mail servers listed in the “spf.protection.outlook.com” domain are authorized to send emails for your domain.

Note that the SPF record must be a TXT record type in GoDaddy’s DNS settings[1].

However, if you are using Professional Email, Microsoft 365, Linux Hosting, or Gen 4 VPS & Dedicated Hosting with GoDaddy, the correct SPF record syntax should be:

v=spf1 include:secureserver.net -all

Ensure you use the appropriate SPF syntax based on your specific email setup to ensure it works correctly.

How to Verify if an SPF Record is Correctly Configured for Office 365 in GoDaddy?

To verify if your SPF record is correctly configured for Office 365 in GoDaddy, follow these steps:

Sign in to your GoDaddy account.
Click on your Username at the top-right corner and select “Manage Domains.”
In the “My Domains” dashboard, find your domain and click the More icon (…) next to it. From the drop-down menu, select “Manage DNS.”
Check if the TXT record with the correct SPF syntax is present in the DNS records. It should look like this:

v=spf1 include:spf.protection.outlook.com -all

If your email services are set up with Professional Email, Microsoft 365, Linux Hosting, or Gen 4 VPS & Dedicated Hosting, the SPF record should be:

v=spf1 include:secureserver.net -all

Alternatively, you can use online SPF record checkers such as MXToolbox, Kitterman, or DMARC Analyzer to verify the correctness of your SPF record[1].

Please remember that changes to DNS records can take some time to propagate, so your SPF record might take a while to take effect.

How to Troubleshoot SPF Record Issues in Office 365?

If you encounter any issues with your SPF record in Office 365, here are some troubleshooting steps to resolve them:

Verify the SPF Record: Ensure that you have correctly set up the SPF record using the appropriate syntax for your email setup. Check for any typos or missing characters in the SPF record.
Check for SPF Record Length: Some email servers have limitations on the length of SPF records or the number of DNS lookups they can perform. Ensure that your SPF record is within these limitations to avoid any email delivery issues.
Avoid Conflicting SPF Records: Having multiple SPF records for the same domain can cause conflicts and email delivery problems. Make sure you have only one SPF record for your domain.
Include all Necessary IP Addresses and Subdomains: If your emails are sent from different IP addresses or subdomains, ensure that you include all of them in your SPF record.
Verify Third-Party Services: If you use third-party services for email delivery, make sure they are included in your SPF record.

If you have followed these troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing issues, consider reaching out to GoDaddy support or Microsoft support for further assistance.

Conclusion

Setting up and correctly configuring SPF records is essential for securing your email communications and protecting your domain from email spoofing and phishing attacks.

In Office 365 with GoDaddy, using the correct SPF syntax is crucial to ensure that your emails are delivered successfully.

By following the steps to add and verify your SPF record, you can enhance your domain’s email security and prevent unauthorized sources from sending emails on your behalf.

Should any issues arise, the troubleshooting tips provided will help you resolve them effectively.

Safeguard your domain’s reputation and ensure the deliverability of your emails by implementing a robust SPF record in GoDaddy for Office 365 today!