SPF looks simple until several email tools start sending from the same domain.
A business may use Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, a CRM, a newsletter platform, and a cold email tool. Over time, each service may add its own SPF configuration.
That can create a common problem:
multiple SPF records on one domain.
Why Multiple SPF Records Are a Problem
A domain should normally publish a single SPF policy.
If several separate SPF records exist, SPF validation can fail or become inconsistent.
This often happens when a business:
Changes email providers
Adds a new outreach tool
Keeps old DNS records
Creates a new SPF record instead of updating the existing one
How to Check Your SPF Record
You can query TXT records from the terminal:
dig TXT example.com
Look for records beginning with:
v=spf1
If you find more than one SPF policy, the configuration needs review.
Combine Legitimate Sending Services
Instead of creating separate SPF records, legitimate sending services usually need to be represented within one valid SPF policy.
For example, a domain using several providers might include multiple authorized sources inside one record.
Do not simply copy providers into the record without checking their official SPF instructions, because unnecessary includes can create additional DNS lookup issues.
Remove Old Providers
SPF records often contain services that are no longer used.
Before updating the record, make a list of every system currently sending email for your domain.
Then remove obsolete sending sources.
This keeps the SPF policy easier to maintain and reduces unnecessary complexity.
Watch the SPF DNS Lookup Limit
SPF evaluation has a limit on DNS-triggering lookups.
A record can look valid but still fail if too many nested includes are used.
This becomes especially important when several marketing and sales platforms are connected to one domain.
Use an SPF Checker
If you want to quickly inspect the existing configuration, the LeadCanal SPF tools can help you create and review SPF records for common providers such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Mailchimp, SendGrid, HubSpot, and others. LeadCanal also warns that only one SPF record should be published per domain.
For a wider authentication check, you can also use the LeadCanal Domain Scanner to review SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and related DNS records together.
Final Takeaway
If your email deliverability drops, don't immediately blame the email copy.
Check DNS first.
A good SPF review should confirm:
one SPF policy + all legitimate senders + no obsolete services + valid syntax + acceptable DNS lookup count
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