SPF Records
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) records are crucial for email deliverability, helping receiving mail servers verify that messages are sent from authorized hosts.
Overton.cloud SPF Options
The service provides two equivalent include directives. Both function identically and point to the same infrastructure, so you can use either one:
include:mxroute.com
include:mxlogin.com
Recommended Configuration
Add the following TXT record at your domain's DNS provider:
| Type | Name | Value |
|---|---|---|
| TXT | @ | v=spf1 include:mxroute.com -all |
v=spf1 include:mxroute.com -all
Why -all?
The -all qualifier offers the strongest protection against email spoofing by explicitly failing authentication for any server not listed in your record.
Combining Multiple Services
You may only have one SPF record per domain. When you send mail through Overton.cloud and another provider, combine every sender into a single record rather than creating two:
v=spf1 include:mxroute.com include:other-service.com -all
One record only
Publishing two separate SPF records for the same domain breaks SPF entirely. Merge all include: directives into one TXT record.
Verification & Troubleshooting
After publishing your record, test it with an online validator such as mail-tester.com. If results aren't as expected, check for these common issues:
| Issue | What to check |
|---|---|
| DNS propagation delay | Allow time for the new TXT record to spread globally. |
| Multiple SPF records | Ensure only one SPF TXT record exists for the domain. |
| DNS lookup limit | SPF allows a maximum of 10 DNS lookups; too many include: directives will fail. |
| Syntax errors | Verify spelling, spacing and the trailing -all qualifier. |
Next, strengthen authentication with DKIM Records and a DMARC Record. For an overview, see Technical Configuration.