Ever wondered why your emails from Bluehost end up in spam instead of your client’s inbox? It often boils down to your SPF record—a simple but vital tool for protecting your email reputation.
Setting up your Bluehost SPF record properly helps ensure your messages are trusted and delivered safely. In this article, we’ll walk you through what an SPF record is, why it matters, and exactly how to add or update one on Bluehost. Let’s get your emails where they belong!
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Understanding How to Set Up an SPF Record on Bluehost
Setting up an SPF (Sender Policy Framework) record is one of the most important steps you can take to secure your email when using Bluehost. SPF records help protect your domain from email spoofing and ensure that your messages reliably reach your recipients’ inboxes. Let’s explore what SPF is, why it matters, and guide you step-by-step on how to add an SPF record in Bluehost.
What Is an SPF Record and Why Does It Matter?
SPF is a type of DNS (Domain Name System) record that acts like a bouncer for your email. It tells other email servers which mail servers are allowed to send emails on behalf of your domain. If an unauthorized server tries to send email as you, SPF can help block it—reducing the risk of spam or phishing attacks appearing to come from your domain.
Why use SPF records?
- Prevents email spoofing: Stops hackers from impersonating your domain.
- Improves email deliverability: Ensures your emails reach recipients instead of landing in spam folders.
- Enhances reputation: Builds trust with recipients and email services.
Overview: How Do SPF Records Work on Bluehost?
When you send an email, the receiving server checks your SPF record to see if the sending server is approved. If the server matches what’s listed, your message is delivered. If not, it might be rejected or marked as spam.
Bluehost, like many web hosts, lets you manage your DNS records—including SPF—through its control panel. With the right setup, you’ll have extra confidence that your domain is delivering safe, legitimate email.
Step-by-Step Guide: Adding or Editing an SPF Record on Bluehost
Ready to create or update your SPF record? Let’s break it down into simple, actionable steps.
1. Log Into Your Bluehost Account
- Go to your Bluehost dashboard.
- Enter your username and password to access your hosting account.
2. Access the Domain Management Section
- Navigate to “Domains” or “Domain Manager” in your Bluehost dashboard.
- Select the domain you want to add the SPF record to.
3. Open the DNS Zone Editor
- Find “DNS” or “Zone Editor.” This is where you add, modify, or remove DNS records for your domain.
4. Add a New TXT Record for SPF
- In the Zone Editor, look for the option to add a new record.
- Select “TXT” as the record type.
- For the “Host” or “Name” field, enter
@to apply the record to the root domain (or leave it blank, depending on Bluehost’s interface). - In the “TXT Value” field, type your SPF rule. A common SPF record for Bluehost email hosting looks like:
v=spf1 include:bluehost.com ~all
-
If you use third-party mail services (like Google Workspace or Mailchimp), include them as well:
v=spf1 include:bluehost.com include:_spf.google.com ~all -
Set TTL (Time To Live)—the default or 14400 seconds (4 hours) is usually fine.
5. Save the Record
- Click “Add Record” or “Save Changes.”
- The update might take up to 48 hours to propagate globally, but often is active in a few hours.
6. Test Your SPF Record
- Use an online SPF record checker or send a test email to confirm SPF is set up correctly.
Key Things to Know and Common Challenges
SPF Syntax and Best Practices
- Always start with
v=spf1—this sets the rule version. - Each sending service you use needs to be included.
- End your record with
~all(soft fail),-all(hard fail), or?all(neutral). Use~allunless you are 100% sure only specific servers should send on your behalf. - Do not include more than one SPF record per domain—combine all into a single record.
Common Issues
- Multiple SPF records: Having two or more SPF records for the same domain can cause validation errors. Always maintain just one.
- Record too long: There’s a character limit for DNS records (255 chars per string, though you can use multiple strings). List only what’s necessary.
- Forgetting third-party senders: If you use marketing or transactional email services, remember to add their SPF includes.
Benefits of Proper SPF Record Setup on Bluehost
- Improved email deliverability: Email providers are more likely to trust and deliver your emails if SPF is valid.
- Lower security risks: You deter cybercriminals and domain spoofing attempts.
- Professional appearance: Professional businesses protect their domain reputation, leading to better engagement with your audience.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
- Periodically review your SPF record: If you add or remove email providers, update your SPF.
- Check propagation: It may take some time for DNS changes to spread. Patience is key.
- Document changes: Keep track of any SPF changes. This can help troubleshoot if things go wrong.
- Combine SPF statements: Never split multiple SPF records. Always combine them for your domain.
Cost Considerations
The good news is there’s no extra charge from Bluehost for SPF record setup—it’s included as part of domain management. However, if you hire an external expert or use paid email authentication services, there may be additional costs. For basic SPF setup directly through your Bluehost control panel, you shouldn’t encounter extra fees.
Tips for Advanced Setups (Multiple Mail Senders)
If you use more than Bluehost’s native email, such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Mailgun, or SendGrid, you need to “include” their respective SPF values. Here’s an example SPF record combining several popular providers:
v=spf1 include:bluehost.com include:_spf.google.com include:sendgrid.net ~all
List all services in one line, separating them by spaces. This ensures all the services you use are authorized to send on your behalf.
Troubleshooting SPF Issues
If you find emails still land in spam or SPF checks are failing:
- Double-check record spelling: Even a small typo can break SPF.
- Verify only one SPF record exists: Remove duplicates in your DNS.
- Contact Bluehost support: They can review your setup and suggest fixes.
- Monitor bounce-back messages: These can contain clues if your SPF setup is causing issues.
Conclusion
Setting up an SPF record on Bluehost protects you and your recipients from email-based threats, enhances deliverability, and supports your online reputation. While the process can seem intimidating at first, breaking it down into the steps above makes it accessible and manageable for domain owners of all technical levels. Regularly review and update your SPF record for long-term email security and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does an SPF record do for my Bluehost domain?
An SPF record tells other email servers which mail servers are allowed to send emails on your behalf. This helps prevent hackers from spoofing your domain, reducing spam and phishing risks while improving your email deliverability.
2. What is the correct SPF record format for Bluehost?
A standard SPF record for a domain using Bluehost email is:
v=spf1 include:bluehost.com ~all
If you use other email services, add their include statements within the same record.
3. How long does it take for SPF changes to become active on Bluehost?
DNS changes, including SPF records, can take anywhere from a few minutes up to 48 hours to fully propagate across the internet. Usually, changes are visible much sooner, but it’s best to check after a few hours and allow up to two days for global propagation.
4. Can I set up SPF records for multiple domains in Bluehost?
Yes. Each domain hosted with Bluehost can have its own SPF record. Make sure to add or edit SPF records individually for each domain through your Bluehost DNS Zone Editor.
5. What happens if I do not set up an SPF record?
Without an SPF record, your domain is vulnerable to being spoofed by attackers. Recipients’ mail servers may also mark your emails as spam or reject them, harming your sender reputation and causing important messages to go undelivered.
By following these guidelines, you ensure your email communication from Bluehost is reliable, secure, and trusted by email services and recipients alike.