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.
Try this first
- 1Count includes and a/mx mechanisms in your SPF record
- 2Flatten SPF using a flatten tool or move ESPs to their own subdomain
- 3Remove unused includes (old CRM, old mail provider)
- 4Retest 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?
Describe your situation below. We pass your input plus the steps you already saw to our AI and return tailored next-step advice. If it's too risky to DIY, we'll say so.
Or skip the DIY entirely
Our Managed IT clients do not look these things up. One point of contact, a fixed monthly price, resolved within working hours.