SPF check fails with 'too many DNS lookups' or permerror
Ten DNS lookups is the SPF limit. Past that, validation breaks and your domain stops authenticating.
support/email-aflevering/spf-lookup-overflowsteps: 4
Try this first
- Count includes and a/mx mechanisms in your SPF record
- Flatten SPF using a flatten tool or move ESPs to their own subdomain
- Remove unused includes (old CRM, old mail provider)
- Retest with dmarcian or mxtoolbox until lookups are under 10
When to bring us in
If departments use separate ESPs and flatten gets messy, split per subdomain.
See also
- Our emails land in spam for some recipientsAlmost always an SPF, DKIM, or DMARC setting that is wrong or missing, or a sender name that mimics a well-known brand.
- Someone reports receiving phishing emails "from us"Read: spoofing. Someone is abusing your sender name, not necessarily your actual mailbox.
- An email bounces (NDR): delivery failedThe NDR text usually states the exact reason. Reading it is step one.
None of the above fits?
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