Step-By-Step Guide To Troubleshoot SPF
Permerror In Your Domain

A properly configured SPF (Sender Policy Framework) record is essential for ensuring successful email delivery and protecting your domain from spoofing and phishing. However, one common issue administrators face is the SPF PermError (Permanent Error). This error indicates a serious issue with your SPF record—one that prevents SPF evaluation entirely.

In this detailed guide, we walk you through how to diagnose and fix SPF PermError, ensuring your domain maintains a strong email reputation and your messages reach inboxes as intended.

What Is SPF PermError?

SPF PermError, or permanent error, occurs when the SPF record of your domain cannot be interpreted due to a misconfiguration. Unlike a Fail (which means SPF is valid but doesn’t match), PermError means the SPF record could not be evaluated at all, and mail servers typically treat this as a failure to authenticate the email.

Common Causes of SPF PermError

Before diving into the solution, it's important to understand the most frequent causes:

• Too many DNS lookups (exceeding the limit of 10)


• Syntax errors in the SPF record


• Multiple SPF records on the same domain


• Invalid or unresolvable include mechanisms


• Deprecated mechanisms (like ptr)


• Recursive include chains

Step-by-Step Guide to Troubleshoot SPF PermError

Step 1: Check for Multiple SPF Records

Having more than one SPF record results in a PermError.

To check:

Use a DNS lookup tool like MXToolbox or dig:

dig TXT yourdomain.com

Fix:

If you find multiple SPF records, merge them into a single SPF TXT record. SPF allows only one v=spf1 entry per domain.

Example:

Correct:

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

Incorrect:

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

v=spf1 include:sendgrid.net ~all

Step 2: Check for DNS Lookup Limit

SPF has a maximum DNS lookup limit of 10 per evaluation. Each include, a, mx, or redirect mechanism can trigger a DNS query.

To check:

Use online SPF tools like:

• DMARC Analyzer


• Kitterman SPF tool

Fix:

If you exceed the limit:

• Remove unnecessary includes


• Flatten the SPF record using services like EasySPF or manual IP listing


• Replace includes with direct IP addresses when possible

Step 3: Validate Include Domains

An include: mechanism tells SPF to evaluate another domain’s SPF record. If that domain has issues, it impacts yours too.

To check:

Look up each domain used in include: and verify that:

• The SPF record exists


• It is syntactically correct


• It does not cause further nested includes over the limit

Fix:

• Remove or replace problematic include domains


• Contact the third-party service provider for corrections

Step 4: Eliminate Deprecated or Invalid Mechanisms

SPF no longer supports some mechanisms like ptr. Others, like these, are complex and often unnecessary.

Fix:

• Replace ptr with IP addresses or a/mx mechanisms


• Remove custom mechanisms unless you know exactly how they function

Step 5: Ensure Correct Syntax and Format

SPF syntax is strict. A small mistake—like an extra space, missing ~all, or using capital letters—can cause PermError.

To check:

• Run SPF syntax validation using:


• MXToolbox SPF checker


• Google Admin Toolbox CheckMX

Correct format:

v=spf1 ip4:192.0.2.1 include:_spf.google.com ~all

Common syntax mistakes:

• spf1: instead of v=spf1


• Using multiple all mechanisms


• Leaving out the required ~all, -all, or ?all

Step 6: Avoid Recursive Include Chains

Recursive includes can quickly snowball into more than 10 lookups.

To check:

• Trace each include and its sub-includes


• Flatten or optimize SPF logic

Fix:

• Use SPF flattening tools


• Work with your email service providers to provide optimized SPF blocks

Step 7: Test Your SPF Record

After all corrections, validate the final SPF record.

Tools to use:

• MXToolbox SPF Record Check


• Kitterman SPF Tester


• Google Admin Toolbox CheckMX

Best Practice:

Always test before DNS deployment, and again after propagation.

An SPF PermError can significantly affect the deliverability of your domain's emails and its sender reputation. By utilizing this comprehensive troubleshooting guide, you can efficiently pinpoint the underlying issue and implement the appropriate solution. Correctly configuring your SPF not only safeguards against spoofing but also fosters reliable communication with your recipients. Learn more by visiting this link.