--- title: "How to Add an SPF Record in 20i: A Step-by-Step Guide | AutoSPF" description: "Learn how to add, verify, and troubleshoot an SPF record in 20i to improve email authentication, security, and deliverability." image: "https://autospf.com/og/blog/add-spf-record-in-20i-step-by-step-guide.png" canonical: "https://autospf.com/blog/add-spf-record-in-20i-step-by-step-guide/" --- Quick Answer To add an SPF record in 20i, open My20i, access DNS Management, and create or edit the domain’s TXT record. Add the correct SPF value for 20i Stackmail and any external email providers, save the changes, then verify the record using a DNS lookup tool. Share [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fautospf.com%2Fblog%2Fadd-spf-record-in-20i-step-by-step-guide%2F "Share on LinkedIn") [ ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=How%20to%20Add%20an%20SPF%20Record%20in%2020i%3A%20A%20Step-by-Step%20Guide&url=https%3A%2F%2Fautospf.com%2Fblog%2Fadd-spf-record-in-20i-step-by-step-guide%2F "Share on X/Twitter") [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fautospf.com%2Fblog%2Fadd-spf-record-in-20i-step-by-step-guide%2F "Share on Facebook") [ ](https://reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fautospf.com%2Fblog%2Fadd-spf-record-in-20i-step-by-step-guide%2F&title=How%20to%20Add%20an%20SPF%20Record%20in%2020i%3A%20A%20Step-by-Step%20Guide "Share on Reddit") [ ](mailto:?subject=How%20to%20Add%20an%20SPF%20Record%20in%2020i%3A%20A%20Step-by-Step%20Guide&body=Check out this article: https%3A%2F%2Fautospf.com%2Fblog%2Fadd-spf-record-in-20i-step-by-step-guide%2F "Share via Email") ![SPF Record Setup in 20i](https://media.mailhop.org/autospf/spf-record-checker-1040-1787313227974.jpg) ## What an SPF Record Is and Why It Matters for 20i Email Hosting An SPF record is a DNS-based TXT record that tells receiving mail servers which systems are authorised to send email for your domain. SPF stands for [Sender Policy Framework](https://autospf.com/blog/what-is-spf-hosting-and-why-your-domain-needs-it/), and it is one of the core email authentication standards used to reduce spoofing and unauthorised use of a domain. For anyone using **20i email hosting**, configuring the correct SPF record helps receiving mail servers such as those operated by Gmail, Outlook, and other providers verify whether a message was sent from an authorised source. In practical terms, an SPF record lists your authorized mail servers. When someone receives an email claiming to come from your domain name, the recipient’s server performs an SPF check against your DNS. If the sending server matches the [TXT record](https://www.digicert.com/blog/what-is-a-txt-record), the message can pass **SPF check**. If not, the message may be marked as spam, rejected, or placed in quarantine by an email filter or Email Filtering System. For 20i customers, SPF becomes particularly important when a domain sends email through multiple platforms. Your website may be hosted on 20i, while email is sent through Stackmail, [Google Workspace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google%5FWorkspace), Microsoft 365, or third-party services such as [CRM](https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/crm), invoicing, or email marketing platforms. Each legitimate sending source must be properly authorised in the domain’s SPF record. Otherwise, messages sent through an unauthorised server may fail **SPF authentication** and experience deliverability issues. 20i also documents adding additional include: mechanisms when using services such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Mailchimp, or SendGrid alongside its mail servers. _SPF is also part of a broader email authentication strategy that includes DKIM, DMARC, and sometimes BIMI._ SPF helps identify authorized sending sources, DKIM signs messages cryptographically, and DMARC tells receivers what to do when SPF or DKIM fails. Together, these standards support stronger [email security](https://autospf.com/), reduce email spoofing, and improve email deliverability for business-critical messages.![Spf Record Checker 4166](https://media.mailhop.org/autospf/spf-record-checker-4166-1787309020394.jpg) ## Before You Start: Details to Gather and Common SPF Record Format Before you add SPF record settings in 20i, confirm where your **DNS is managed**. If your domain name uses 20i nameservers, you can usually update the DNS directly inside My20i through the Control Panel. If your domain name uses third-party nameservers, you must update the TXT record wherever your active [DNS zone](https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/dns/glossary/dns-zone/) is hosted. Gather the following details first: - Your domain name and the active DNS provider. - Whether your email hosting uses 20i Stackmail, external providers, or both. - Any mail services that send on behalf of your domain, such as Gmail, Outlook, billing software, [ecommerce platforms](https://www.sap.com/resources/what-is-an-ecommerce-platform), or newsletter tools. - Any required **IP addresses** that must be authorized. - Whether your hosting package uses automatic SPF setup or requires manual SPF setup. - Whether you need to opt-out Stackmail SPF because your email is fully handled elsewhere. - Whether an SPF record already exists, since a domain should normally have only one SPF TXT record.![Spf Record Checker 2099](https://media.mailhop.org/autospf/spf-record-checker-2099-1787309049403.jpg)For many 20i and Stackmail users, a common SPF record format is: ``` v=spf1 include:spf.stackmail.com a mx -all ``` This SPF record authorises **Stackmail through the include:** mechanism, as well as the IP addresses associated with the domain’s A/[AAAA records](https://hostadvice.com/blog/domains/what-is-aaaa-record-in-dns/) and MX hosts through the a and mx mechanisms. The `-all` mechanism is a hard fail, telling receivers that any other sender is unauthorized. That can be excellent for stopping spoofing, but it should only be used when you are confident all authorized [mail servers](https://www.activecampaign.com/glossary/mail-server) are included. If you use external providers, you may need to update SPF record syntax with additional `include:` mechanisms. _For example, if your organization sends from Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Stackmail, and a third-party campaign tool, your Sender Policy Framework entry must account for each approved sender._ Adding only Stackmail while sending through **Gmail or Outlook** could cause a failed SPF check, damaging deliverability and increasing [spam placement](https://www.inboxally.com/docs/concepts/spam-folder-placement/). ## Step-by-Step: How to Add or Edit an SPF Record in the 20i Control Panel Follow these steps to create or update an SPF record in 20i: 1. **Log in to My20i.**Open the 20i Control Panel and sign in to My20i using your account credentials. 2. **Find the correct domain or hosting area.**Depending on your setup, go to Manage Hosting for the relevant hosting package, or use [Manage Domains](https://www.networksolutions.com/blog/domain-management-101/) if you are managing DNS for a standalone domain name.![Spf Record Example 3044](https://media.mailhop.org/autospf/spf-record-example-3044-1787309181662.jpg) 3. **Open DNS Management.**In the **20i Control Panel**, access the Manage DNS section for your domain. If the domain is registered with 20i, you can access it through Manage Domains. _If the domain is assigned to a hosting package, go to Manage Hosting → select the relevant package → Manage DNS. This is where you can add or edit the TXT record used for SPF._ 4. **Check for an existing SPF record.**Look for a TXT record that begins with `v=spf1`. If one already exists, do not create a second SPF record. Multiple SPF records for the same domain name can cause a permerror and lead to [spam filtering](https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/spam-filters), [bouncing email](https://www.activecampaign.com/glossary/bounced-email), or an email block. 5. **Add or edit the TXT record.**If no SPF record exists, create a new TXT record. If one exists, edit it. For Stackmail-based 20i email hosting, the value may be: ``` v=spf1 include:spf.stackmail.com a mx -all ``` The host/name field is often `@` for the [root domain](https://www.siteground.com/kb/what-is-a-root-domain), though 20i may display this differently. If you are setting SPF for a subdomain, use the **appropriate subdomain label**. 1. **Include external providers where needed.**If your mail services include Gmail, Outlook, or another sending platform, add the relevant include mechanisms according to that provider’s documentation. Be careful not to exceed the SPF 10-DNS-lookup limit. Tools such as an SPF Generator can help build a valid Sender Policy Framework string. 2. **Save the DNS change.**Apply the updated TXT record in 20i. DNS propagation can begin immediately, but global resolvers may take time to refresh depending on TTL values and caching. ## How to Verify Your 20i SPF Record and Check DNS Propagation After saving the SPF record, confirm that DNS has published the correct TXT record using a DNS lookup tool or [command-line utilities](https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/linux-unix/command-line-tools-and-utilities-for-network-management-in-linux/) such as `dig` or `nslookup`.![Spf Flattening 5263](https://media.mailhop.org/autospf/spf-flattening-5263-1787309223666.jpg)Useful verification options include: - SPF & DKIM Checker to confirm SPF and DKIM status. - DMARC Checker to review [DMARC alignment](https://autospf.com/blog/how-an-spf-validator-supports-dkim-and-dmarc-alignment/) and policy behavior. - Domain Scanner to inspect overall domain authentication. - DNS Record Lookup to confirm the TXT record visible on public DNS. - DKIM Generator if you also need DKIM keys for a mail platform. - **DMARC Report Analyzer** for ongoing DMARC reporting. - IP Reputation Check to assess whether sending IP addresses have reputation issues. - Phishing Link Checker when investigating suspicious links tied to spoofing campaigns. To check SPF manually, query the TXT records for your domain name and confirm that exactly one TXT record begins with `v=spf1`. Then send a test email to Gmail or Outlook and inspect the message headers. Look for authentication results showing `spf=pass` or similar. _If the message does not pass SPF check, review whether the sending server is listed among your authorized mail servers._ DNS propagation is usually quick, but some resolvers may cache old DNS values for several hours. During that time, deliverability can vary across **mailbox providers**. If one recipient sees the new SPF record and another does not, wait for [DNS propagation](https://www.spaceship.com/knowledgebase/dns-propagation-guide/) before making unnecessary changes.![Spf Record Example 3041](https://media.mailhop.org/autospf/spf-record-example-3041-1787308997362.jpg) ## Troubleshooting Common 20i SPF Record Errors and Best Practices The most common 20i SPF record issue is publishing more than one SPF TXT record for the same domain name. SPF requires a single consolidated record. If you have separate records for Stackmail, Gmail, Outlook, and other external providers, merge them into one valid **Sender Policy Framework entry**. Other frequent problems include: - **Wrong DNS zone:** You edited DNS in 20i, but the domain name uses external nameservers. - **Missing sender:** A platform sends email but is not listed in the SPF record. - **Incorrect syntax:** Extra spaces, missing mechanisms, or malformed includes can break SPF. - **Too many DNS lookups:** SPF allows a maximum of 10 [DNS lookups](https://support.constellix.com/hc/en-us/articles/34573619797787-What-is-a-DNS-Lookup). - **Overly strict `-all`:** A hard fail is powerful against spoofing, but risky if mail sources are incomplete. - **Unlisted IP addresses:** Dedicated sending IP addresses must be added with valid `ip4:` or `ip6:` mechanisms. - **Misaligned DMARC:** SPF may pass, but DMARC can still fail if the visible From domain does not align. For best results, review the 20i Support Database and 20i Blog for **current platform guidance**, especially if you use Stackmail or manage hosting for multiple client domains. If you are a reseller hosting provider, standardizing SPF, [DKIM](https://autospf.com/blog/dkim-authentication-a-complete-guide-to-secure-email-deliverability/), and DMARC templates can reduce support tickets and improve deliverability across customer accounts. Finally, treat SPF as one layer of email authentication. A correctly configured SPF record helps receiving **mail systems identify** authorised sending sources and reduces the risk of [domain spoofing](https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/infosec2025-email-domains-spoofing/). Whenever you change email hosting, add a new sending application, migrate to 20i, or switch email providers, review your SPF record and update the TXT record before sending production email. ![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/) Scan Your Domain Now Instantly scan your domain for DKIM, SPF, and DMARC issues Check My Domain Share this article [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fautospf.com%2Fblog%2Fadd-spf-record-in-20i-step-by-step-guide%2F) [ ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=How%20to%20Add%20an%20SPF%20Record%20in%2020i%3A%20A%20Step-by-Step%20Guide&url=https%3A%2F%2Fautospf.com%2Fblog%2Fadd-spf-record-in-20i-step-by-step-guide%2F) [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fautospf.com%2Fblog%2Fadd-spf-record-in-20i-step-by-step-guide%2F) Copy Related Articles - [ ![SPF Standard](https://media.mailhop.org/autospf/images/2025/11/kitterman-spf-4236.jpg) 10 Reasons The SPF Standard Is Essential For Protecting Your Domain Foundational ](/blog/10-reasons-the-spf-standard-is-essential-for-protecting-your-domain/) - [ ![AI-based scams](https://media.mailhop.org/autospf/images/2024/08/spf-checker-2003.jpg) 4 ChatGPT and AI-based scams to be wary of in the second half of 2024 Foundational ](/blog/4-ai-and-chatgpt-scams-to-watch-for-in-2024/) - [ ![BEC attacks](https://media.mailhop.org/autospf/images/2024/02/spf-record-office-365.jpg) 6 Steps to Outplay BEC Attackers Foundational ](/blog/6-steps-to-outplay-bec-attackers/) - [ ![email security](https://media.mailhop.org/autospf/images/2024/05/sender-policy-framework-office-365.jpg) 7 Myths and Misconceptions about Sender Policy Framework Foundational ](/blog/7-myths-and-misconceptions-about-sender-policy-framework/) ## Related Articles [ Foundational 17m 10 Reasons The SPF Standard Is Essential For Protecting Your Domain Nov 20, 2025 ](/blog/10-reasons-the-spf-standard-is-essential-for-protecting-your-domain/)[ Foundational 5m 4 ChatGPT and AI-based scams to be wary of in the second half of 2024 Aug 16, 2024 ](/blog/4-ai-and-chatgpt-scams-to-watch-for-in-2024/)[ Foundational 6m 6 Steps to Outplay BEC Attackers Feb 2, 2024 ](/blog/6-steps-to-outplay-bec-attackers/)[ Foundational 4m 7 Myths and Misconceptions about Sender Policy Framework May 31, 2024 ](/blog/7-myths-and-misconceptions-about-sender-policy-framework/) ```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 Add an SPF Record in 20i: A Step-by-Step Guide","description":"Learn how to add, verify, and troubleshoot an SPF record in 20i to improve email authentication, security, and deliverability.","url":"https://autospf.com/blog/add-spf-record-in-20i-step-by-step-guide/","datePublished":"2026-08-21T00:00:00.000Z","dateModified":"2026-08-21T00:00:00.000Z","dateCreated":"2026-08-21T00:00:00.000Z","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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