How to set up SPF with Google Workspace? (What Is SPF)?

Spam is everywhere these days, even with your email ID. When you are all set with your website, you will send and receive messages on your custom email ID. Why not, Email marketing is the best way of generating leads and conversions for your business.

Especially when you are using a custom email, there are more chances of getting clients. But before doing that, did you set up SPF with Google Workspace?… If not, your message may go to the spam folder of your client’s email. Moreover, spammers can also use this opportunity to send a message on your behalf using a forged email address that claims to be from your domain. 

Well, that sounds awful and spoils all your years of hard work in a few minutes. Stay relaxed as you are at the right place. In this article, we will guide you about how to set up SPF with Google Workspace, and help you to understand more about SPF.

What is SPF?

The SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is an email authentication technique that doesn’t let anyone send a spam email or do malicious activity on your behalf using your domain. In brief, it protects your domain from spoofing and spamming, while preventing outgoing emails marked as spam. 

How To Set Up SPF With Google Workspace?

Step 1. Go to your domain provider account and log in to your dashboard.

Step 2. Find the DNS management section and go to advanced DNS settings.

Step 3. You need to create a new TXT record by clicking on adding a DNS TXT record.

Step 4. Choose TXT in the drop-down and use @ as the name of the host.

Step 5. Copy this value “v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all” and paste it into the comment field.

Step 6. Click on the Save button and wait for about 48 hours to let SPF authentication start working.

What If You Want to Add Your Subdomains In SPF Records??

Case 1. If your domain provider allows you to add SPF records directly to your subdomains, find out the domain name in your domain provider management console. Then add SPF records with the above steps.

Case 2. If your domain provider doesn’t allow you to add SPF records directly to subdomains, you will need to add another SPF record to your primary domain. Follow these steps in that situation:

Step 1. Click on create a new DNS TXT record

Step 2. Type your subdomain (Ex- mail.xyz.com) for the host value instead of @.

Step 3. Copy this value “v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all” and paste it into the comment field.

Step 4. Click on save and wait for the approval mail from Google Workspace. 

Important:- In case you are using a new email server or third-party email sender in addition to Google Workspace create a custom SPF to authorize the services. Follow the steps below:

Step 1. Identify all email senders for your business.

Step 2. Collect their IP addresses and domains to include in SPF records.

Step 3. Now, add the SPF record the way mentioned in the table below:

[alert-note]Note:- Above, mentioned servers and IPs are used just for example, replace them with your servers and IPs[/alert-note]

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does SPF do?

Spammers always try to forge your domain by sending fake emails that seem to come from your organization which is called spoofing. They use spoofed messages for malicious purposes and stealing data. Moreover, a spoofed email can spread false information, transfer harmful software, or trick clients into providing confidential information.

The SPF helps you specify the mail servers that are authorized to send emails to your domain. It allows the receive servers to identify fake messages that appear to come from your organization. SPF also helps to ensure that your message is delivered correctly.

2. Is SPF Record Mandatory?

SPD record is not mandatory. However, it offers advantages like protection of domain name from spoofing, limiting phishing or malicious activities, and enhancement of delivered email authority.

3. Why Do I Need To Set Up SPF Records With Google Workspace?

If you have a domain name and custom email address for that domain with a Google Workspace account, your messages will be sent through that domain server. In this situation, Google workspace will want you to be authenticated with the domain you use to send emails. However, there is an option to add a profile image with Google, but if you don’t set up SPF, your email will be visible with a question mark at the place of the profile picture.

Above, we discussed how to set up SPF with Google Workspace and many other aspects of setting up SPF records in third-party servers. We believe now you have a broad idea, and you are efficient to set up your SPF records on your own. If you still have any questions, ask us in the comment section below.