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Mailchimp SPF: A Complete Guide to Setting Up and
Mailchimp SPF: A Complete Guide to Setting Up and
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Guest
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Feb 04, 2026
8:37 AM
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Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to communicate with customers, but successful delivery depends heavily on proper email authentication. One of the most important components of this authentication is SPF, mailchimp spf especially when using platforms like Mailchimp. Understanding how Mailchimp SPF works and how to configure it correctly can significantly improve email deliverability and protect your domain reputation.
This article provides a comprehensive explanation of Mailchimp SPF, how it works, why it matters, and how to set it up properly.
What Is SPF in Email?
SPF stands for Sender Policy Framework. It is an email authentication method used to verify that emails sent from your domain are authorized by the domain owner.
When an email is sent, the receiving mail server checks the SPF record of the sender's domain to confirm whether the sending server is allowed to send messages on behalf of that domain.
If the server is authorized, the email passes SPF. If not, the email may be marked as spam or rejected.
Why SPF Matters for Mailchimp Users
Mailchimp sends emails on behalf of your business. Without proper SPF configuration, mailbox providers may see emails as suspicious because the sending server appears unrelated to your domain.
Correct SPF configuration helps:
• Improve email deliverability
• Reduce spam filtering
• Protect your domain from spoofing
• Increase inbox placement rates
• Build sender reputation
• Improve trust with email providers
Without SPF, even well-designed campaigns may land in spam folders.
How Mailchimp Sends Emails
Mailchimp uses its own sending infrastructure to deliver campaigns and automated emails. When you connect your domain to Mailchimp, you allow Mailchimp’s servers to send emails that appear to come from your domain.
SPF works by adding Mailchimp’s sending servers to your domain’s authorized senders list.
This happens inside your domain's DNS settings.
What Is an SPF Record?
An SPF record is a TXT record added to your domain’s DNS configuration. It lists all mail servers authorized to send emails from your domain.
A basic SPF record looks like this:
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all
In this example, Google’s servers are authorized to send mail for the domain.
When using Mailchimp, their SPF entry must be included alongside other services you use, such as:
• Google Workspace
• Microsoft 365
• Website hosting mail servers
• CRM platforms
• Transactional email tools
Why Mailchimp SPF Setup Is Important
If SPF is not properly configured, several problems can occur:
1. Emails Go to Spam
Receiving servers may distrust emails that fail SPF checks.
2. Reduced Campaign Performance
Lower inbox placement reduces open and click rates.
3. Brand Reputation Damage
Repeated authentication failures harm your domain reputation.
4. Spoofing Risks
Attackers could impersonate your domain.
How Mailchimp SPF Authentication Works
Here is what happens when you send an email through Mailchimp:
Mailchimp sends email using its servers.
Recipient mail server checks sender domain SPF record.
SPF record lists authorized sending servers.
Mailchimp server is confirmed as authorized.
Email passes SPF check.
Email proceeds to inbox filtering.
Without Mailchimp authorization in SPF, step four fails.
Adding Mailchimp to Your SPF Record
Most domains already have an SPF record. Instead of creating a new one, you update the existing record.
SPF allows only one record per domain, so everything must be combined into a single record.
General Process
Step 1: Log into your domain DNS provider.
Step 2: Locate DNS settings.
Step 3: Find existing SPF TXT record.
Step 4: Add Mailchimp’s include mechanism.
Step 5: Save and allow DNS propagation.
Common SPF Mistakes With Mailchimp
Multiple SPF Records
Having more than one SPF record causes validation failure.
Missing Mailchimp Include
Mailchimp servers not included leads to SPF failures.
Too Many DNS Lookups
SPF allows a maximum of 10 DNS lookups. Too many services can break SPF validation.
Incorrect Ending Mechanism
Using strict rules prematurely may block legitimate mail.
SPF and Other Authentication Methods
SPF works best when combined with other authentication methods:
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
DKIM signs emails with encryption to verify message integrity.
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication)
DMARC builds policy rules for SPF and DKIM failures.
Mailchimp supports DKIM and recommends enabling it along with SPF.
Benefits of Proper Mailchimp SPF Configuration
Correct setup provides several advantages:
Better Inbox Placement
Emails are more likely to land in primary inboxes.
Increased Campaign Performance
Higher open and click-through rates.
Improved Brand Trust
Recipients trust authenticated emails.
Reduced Spam Complaints
Legitimate authentication reduces suspicion.
Troubleshooting Mailchimp SPF Issues
If emails still land in spam after SPF setup, check:
• SPF syntax errors
• DNS propagation delays
• Conflicting SPF records
• Domain authentication status in Mailchimp
• DKIM configuration
• Sending reputation history
Also monitor campaign engagement levels since low engagement can also impact deliverability.
Best Practices for Mailchimp SPF Management
To maintain good email performance:
• Keep SPF records updated when adding services
• Remove unused mail servers from SPF
• Monitor deliverability metrics regularly
• Authenticate domains before sending campaigns
• Use consistent sender domains
• Maintain clean mailing lists
Regular maintenance prevents authentication issues later.
Impact of SPF on Email Deliverability
Email providers like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo heavily weigh authentication results. SPF failures often trigger spam filtering or outright blocking.
Even if the email content is good, failing authentication undermines trust.
SPF acts as proof that your emails are legitimate.
When Should SPF Be Updated?
Update SPF when:
• Adding Mailchimp or another email platform
• Migrating email services
• Changing hosting providers
• Adding CRM or automation tools
• Sending emails from new servers
Failure to update SPF after changes leads to deliverability problems.
Mailchimp SPF for Multiple Domains
Businesses often use multiple domains for marketing, support, or transactional emails.
Each domain used in Mailchimp campaigns should have its own SPF configuration.
Authentication must match the sending domain.
Final Thoughts
Mailchimp SPF configuration is a critical step in building a successful email marketing strategy. Without proper authentication, even the best campaigns struggle to reach inboxes.
By correctly authorizing Mailchimp servers in your SPF record, you protect your domain, increase deliverability, and strengthen customer trust.
SPF works quietly in the background, but its impact on email performance is enormous. Combined with DKIM and DMARC, it forms a strong foundation for reliable and secure email communication.
Businesses that invest time in proper authentication setup consistently see better campaign results and stronger sender reputations.
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