--- title: "How to Merge SPF Records to Fix the ‘Multiple SPF Records’ Error? | AutoSPF" description: "It’s a good practice to regularly run your SPF record through a trusted and credible online SPF checker to come across any existing configurational and." image: "https://autospf.com/og/blog/merge-spf-records-to-fix-multiple-spf-records-error.png" canonical: "https://autospf.com/blog/merge-spf-records-to-fix-multiple-spf-records-error/" --- Quick Answer It’s a good practice to regularly run your SPF record through a trusted and credible online SPF checker to come across any existing configurational and syntactical errors. This ensures your fortifier against email phishing and spoofing is fit to fight. Share [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fautospf.com%2Fblog%2Fmerge-spf-records-to-fix-multiple-spf-records-error%2F "Share on LinkedIn") [ ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=How%20to%20Merge%20SPF%20Records%20to%20Fix%20the%20%E2%80%98Multiple%20SPF%20Records%E2%80%99%20Error%3F&url=https%3A%2F%2Fautospf.com%2Fblog%2Fmerge-spf-records-to-fix-multiple-spf-records-error%2F "Share on X/Twitter") [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fautospf.com%2Fblog%2Fmerge-spf-records-to-fix-multiple-spf-records-error%2F "Share on Facebook") [ ](https://reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fautospf.com%2Fblog%2Fmerge-spf-records-to-fix-multiple-spf-records-error%2F&title=How%20to%20Merge%20SPF%20Records%20to%20Fix%20the%20%E2%80%98Multiple%20SPF%20Records%E2%80%99%20Error%3F "Share on Reddit") [ ](mailto:?subject=How%20to%20Merge%20SPF%20Records%20to%20Fix%20the%20%E2%80%98Multiple%20SPF%20Records%E2%80%99%20Error%3F&body=Check out this article: https%3A%2F%2Fautospf.com%2Fblog%2Fmerge-spf-records-to-fix-multiple-spf-records-error%2F "Share via Email") ![Multiple SPF Records’ Error](https://media.mailhop.org/autospf/images/2023/12/spf-flattening-5863.jpg) It’s a good practice to regularly run your SPF record through a trusted and credible online [SPF checker](/10-reasons-for-regular-spf-record-checks-in-cybersecurity/spf-checker/) to come across any existing configurational and syntactical errors. This ensures your fortifier against [email phishing](https://therecord.media/cloud-atlas-targets-russian-orgs-war-phishing) and spoofing is fit to fight. For a complete walkthrough of every SPF error type, see our [SPF Errors and Troubleshooting Guide](/blog/spf-errors-troubleshooting-guide/). _If a lookup tool highlights the existence of multiple SPF records, then you need to merge them into a single consolidated TXT record that is free from errors and redundancies_. Let’s see how that’s done. ## What is the ‘Multiple SPF Records’ Error? As per [RFC 7208](https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc7208), SPF allows domain owners to publish one [SPF record](/explaining-sender-policy-framework-spf-macros/spf-record-syntax/) for a domain to specify which mail servers are officially permitted to send emails on behalf of the domain or organization. ![email engagement rates](https://media.mailhop.org/autospf/images/2023/12/spf-permerror-6074.jpg) Having multiple SPF records corresponding to a domain is considered an error, which invalidates all the SPF records. This consequently makes your domain vulnerable to phishing and other email-based cybercrimes. Moreover, this can cause email deliverability and impact the sender’s reputation, leading to a dip in [email engagement rates](https://www.lifesight.io/glossary/email-engagement-rate). ## Example of a Simple SPF Record ``` v=spf1 include:_spf.example.com ~all ``` In this example, the SPF record indicates that the allowed mail servers for the domain are those listed in the “\_spf.example.com” record, and it suggests a “soft fail” (\~all), which means that the server may accept the email, but mark it as potentially suspicious. ## What Is How to Merge Multiple SPF Records into One? In simpler words, [merging SPF records](/blog/merging-spf-records-a-step-by-step-guide/) is the process of incorporating all the mechanisms, modifiers, and qualifiers along with their values in one SPF record. _Please note that you can’t copy and paste them into a single string; you have to ensure there are no repetitions and everything is technically correct._ A valid SPF record string begins with v=spf1 and ends with \~all or -all. It can end with the +all tag as well, but that’s highly discouraged as it allows anyone on the internet to send emails on your behalf. Now, coming to the merging process- we will explain it using the following [SPF record example](/spf-record-checker/spf-record-example/): ``` v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all ``` Now, there’s another SPF record- ``` v=spf1 include:spf.protection.outlook.com ~all ``` Let’s see the steps to merge them into one: ### 1\. Analyze Existing SPF Records _Review the existing SPF records from all sources._ Understand which servers are authorized to send emails on behalf of your domain. Add or remove sending sources, if required. This step is to ensure your SPF record neither permits [unauthorized senders](https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/beware-of-fake-microsoft-account-unusual-sign-in-activity-emails/) nor restricts the authorized ones. ### 2\. Combine ‘include’ Mechanisms Merge the “include” mechanisms from each SPF record into a single record. Separate multiple includes with spaces. Here’s how it will look: ``` v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:spf.protection.outlook.com ~all ``` ### 3\. Resolve Overlapping Mechanisms Check for any overlapping mechanisms between the records. If there are redundant mechanisms, eliminate duplicates to avoid conflicts. ### 4\. Define Your SPF Record Choose the appropriate [SPF mechanism](/spf-validator/spf-syntax/) for your domain. The example above uses a “soft fail” (\~all), which suggests that the server may accept the email but mark it as potentially suspicious. ![suspicious messages](https://media.mailhop.org/autospf/images/2023/12/spf-lookup-5972.jpg) You can also use the -all tag (hardfail) to instruct recipients’ servers to reject the entry of potentially [suspicious messages](https://www.scmagazine.com/news/ai-drives-holiday-phishing-scams-as-well-as-email-defenses). ### 5\. Publish the Merged SPF Record Go to your [domain’s DNS management](https://www.domain.com/help/article/dns-management-how-to-update-dns-records) interface and locate the existing SPF record or an option to add a new one. Then, replace old SPF records with the merged version. Save the changes in your DNS settings. Note that DNS changes may take some time to propagate across the Internet. ### 6\. Verify After [DNS propagation](https://www.digicert.com/faq/dns/what-is-dns-propagation#:~:text=What%20does%20DNS%20propagation%20mean,amount%20of%20time%20before%20refreshing.), use online SPF record lookup tools to verify that your SPF record is correctly configured. Tools like [MXToolbox](https://mxtoolbox.com/spf.aspx) or [Kitterman’s SPF Query](https://www.kitterman.com/spf/validate.html?) are helpful for this purpose. By following these steps, you can effectively merge multiple SPF records into a single record, ensuring that your domain’s [email authentication](/blog/ushering-a-new-era-of-security-google-and-yahoos-take-on-email-authentication/) is correctly configured and avoiding the “multiple SPF records” error. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Merging SPF Records Here are some common questions and doubts that users or domain owners have regarding SPF records and their merging. ### Question 1: What happens if I have two SPF records? SPF allows only one SPF record per domain. Exceeding this number would affect the authentication process, and your emails can land in [spam folders](https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/spam-folder#:~:text=Also%20called%20a%20%22junk%20folder,that%20the%20message%20is%20junk.). ### Question 2: How do I consolidate my SPF records? To consolidate SPF records, just include all the parts into one and don’t make any redundancies. ### Question 3: How many lookups can an SPF record have? There’s a maximum limit of 10 DNS lookups per SPF record. Your record becomes invalid if you exceed this limit. Using an [SPF flattener](/enterprise/) is suggested to resolve this common issue. ### Question 4: What is the purpose of merging multiple SPF records? Consolidating SPF records helps in avoiding conflicts and errors in the email authentication process attempted at the receiver’s end. It’s the process of combining information from various sources into a single SPF record, which ensures accurate authorization of mail servers for a domain. ### Question 5: How do I identify the existing SPF records for my domain? Navigate your DNS settings or get in touch with your [hosting provider’s control panel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web%5Fhosting%5Fcontrol%5Fpanel#:~:text=A%20web%20hosting%20control%20panel,of%20web%20hosting%20control%20panels.) to locate your existing SPF records. These resources are likely to be found under the ‘TXT records’ section. ### Question 6: How long does it take for DNS changes to propagate after updating SPF records? DNS changes typically take some time to propagate across the Internet. It may range from a few minutes to 48 hours, depending on various factors such as [TTL (Time to Live) settings](https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/time-to-live). ### Question 7: Why monitoring is suggested after merging SPF records? Monitor your email delivery for any issues. Check [email headers](/blog/email-header-analysis-lets-know-an-emails-anatomy/) to confirm that [SPF checks](/10-reasons-for-regular-spf-record-checks-in-cybersecurity/) are passing correctly. If you encounter problems, revisit your SPF record and DNS settings to ensure accuracy. ### Question 8: How do I choose the appropriate SPF mechanism for my domain? Determine your preferred SPF mechanism based on your email delivery requirements. The [“soft fail” (\~all)](/blog/spf-softfail-or-spf-hardfail/) is commonly used, allowing some flexibility while marking potentially [suspicious emails](https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/392116/phish-fry-inboxes-worldwide-being-barraged-with-s.html). ## Final Words Ensuring the accuracy of your SPF record helps patch vulnerabilities to give hackers no opportunities to [exploit your domain and business](https://crypto.news/hackers-hijack-frax-finance-dns-domain/). If you have recently switched your hosting provider, there are chances that multiple records are existing for your domain. In such scenarios, employing [SPF Flattening](/) can be beneficial. By following the steps outlined above, these records can be consolidated into a single entry, ensuring a streamlined email authentication process and improved email delivery. ## Topics [ email security ](/tags/email-security/)[ SPF error ](/tags/spf-error/)[ SPF Flattening tool ](/tags/spf-flattening-tool/)[ SPF record ](/tags/spf-record/) ![Brad Slavin](https://media.mailhop.org/autospf/images/authors/brad-slavin.jpg) [ Brad Slavin ](/authors/brad-slavin/) General Manager Founder and General Manager of DuoCircle. Product strategy and commercial lead for AutoSPF's 2,000+ customer base. [LinkedIn Profile →](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradslavin) ## Ready to get started? Try AutoSPF free — no credit card required. [ Book a Demo ](/book-a-demo/) ## Related Articles [ Intermediate 3m 3 points to consider before setting your SPF record to -all (HardFail) May 22, 2025 ](/blog/3-points-to-consider-before-setting-your-spf-record-hardfail/)[ Intermediate 6m Your SPF record is broken- What does it mean and how do you fix it? Jan 16, 2025 ](/blog/broken-spf-record-meaning-and-how-to-fix-it/)[ Intermediate 6m Broken SPF record- What does it mean and how to fix it! Mar 13, 2025 ](/blog/broken-spf-record-what-does-it-mean-and-how-to-fix-it/)[ Intermediate 6m Decoding SPF mechanisms and their role in maximizing email deliverability Nov 6, 2024 ](/blog/decoding-spf-mechanisms-and-their-role-in-maximizing-email-deliverability/) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897474","name":"AutoSPF","url":"https://autospf.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://autospf.com/images/autospf-logo.png"},"description":"Automatic SPF flattening and email authentication management. 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Resolve SPF lookup limits, flatten SPF records, and maintain email deliverability across all your domains.","parentOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138883901","name":"DuoCircle LLC","url":"https://www.duocircle.com","sameAs":["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138883901","https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/duocircle-llc","https://www.linkedin.com/company/duocircle","https://github.com/duocircle"],"subOrganization":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138898167","name":"DMARC Report","url":"https://dmarcreport.com"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897474","name":"AutoSPF","url":"https://autospf.com"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897912","name":"Phish Protection","url":"https://www.phishprotection.com"}]}}} ``` ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BlogPosting","headline":"How to Merge SPF Records to Fix the ‘Multiple SPF Records’ Error?","description":"It’s a good practice to regularly run your SPF record through a trusted and credible online SPF checker to come across any existing configurational and.","url":"https://autospf.com/blog/merge-spf-records-to-fix-multiple-spf-records-error/","datePublished":"2023-12-27T17:30:00.000Z","dateModified":"2026-04-18T02:36:41.000Z","dateCreated":"2023-12-27T17:30:00.000Z","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://autospf.com/authors/brad-slavin/#person","name":"Brad Slavin","url":"https://autospf.com/authors/brad-slavin/","jobTitle":"General Manager","description":"Brad Slavin is the founder and General Manager of DuoCircle, the company behind AutoSPF, DMARC Report, Phish Protection, and Mailhop. 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Exceeding this number would affect the authentication process, and your emails can land in [spam folders](https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/spam-folder#:~:text=Also%20called%20a%20%22junk%20folder,that%20the%20message%20is%20junk.)."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Question 2: How do I consolidate my SPF records?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"To consolidate SPF records, just include all the parts into one and don’t make any redundancies."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Question 3: How many lookups can an SPF record have?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"There’s a maximum limit of 10 DNS lookups per SPF record. Your record becomes invalid if you exceed this limit. Using an [SPF flattener](/enterprise/) is suggested to resolve this common issue."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Question 4: What is the purpose of merging multiple SPF records?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Consolidating SPF records helps in avoiding conflicts and errors in the email authentication process attempted at the receiver’s end. It’s the process of combining information from various sources into a single SPF record, which ensures accurate authorization of mail servers for a domain."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Question 5: How do I identify the existing SPF records for my domain?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Navigate your DNS settings or get in touch with your [hosting provider’s control panel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_hosting_control_panel#:~:text=A%20web%20hosting%20control%20panel,of%20web%20hosting%20control%20panels.) to locate your existing SPF records. These resources are likely to be..."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Question 6: How long does it take for DNS changes to propagate after updating SPF records?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"DNS changes typically take some time to propagate across the Internet. It may range from a few minutes to 48 hours, depending on various factors such as [TTL (Time to Live) settings](https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/time-to-live)."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Question 7: Why monitoring is suggested after merging SPF records?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Monitor your email delivery for any issues. Check [email headers](/blog/email-header-analysis-lets-know-an-emails-anatomy/) to confirm that [SPF checks](/10-reasons-for-regular-spf-record-checks-in-cybersecurity/) are passing correctly. If you encounter problems, revisit your SPF record and DNS s..."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Question 8: How do I choose the appropriate SPF mechanism for my domain?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Determine your preferred SPF mechanism based on your email delivery requirements. The [“soft fail” (~all)](/blog/spf-softfail-or-spf-hardfail/) is commonly used, allowing some flexibility while marking potentially [suspicious emails](https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/392116/phish-fry..."}}]}] ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://autospf.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Blog","item":"https://autospf.com/blog/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Intermediate","item":"https://autospf.com/intermediate/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"How to Merge SPF Records to Fix the ‘Multiple SPF Records’ Error?","item":"https://autospf.com/blog/merge-spf-records-to-fix-multiple-spf-records-error/"}]} ```