Are You Seeing These Errors?
"SPF PermError: too many DNS lookups," "SPF Permanent Error: too many DNS lookups," or "SPF Fail: too many DNS lookups"? These errors indicate a problem with your domain's SPF record, a crucial component for email authentication. When your SPF record requires more than the allowed 10 DNS lookups, receiving mail servers can't properly verify your emails.
The Consequences of "Too Many DNS Lookups"
- Emails Land in Spam: Receiving servers are more likely to flag emails with this error as spam.
- Emails Get Rejected: In severe cases, your emails might be completely blocked and never reach their intended recipients.
- Damaged Domain Reputation: Consistent deliverability issues can harm your domain's reputation, making it harder to reach inboxes in the future.
- Missed Opportunities: Whether it's sales, marketing, or important updates, undelivered emails can lead to significant losses.
Why Does This Error Happen?
The primary cause is often an overly complex SPF record with too many "include" statements. These "include" statements reference other domains' SPF records, and each one counts towards the 10 DNS lookup limit. Nested includes and other mechanisms like "a" and "mx" can quickly push your record over the limit. Read more about how SPF works.
The Solution: SPF Flattening
Our SPF Flattener tool simplifies your SPF record by resolving all those "include" statements and other DNS-querying mechanisms into a flat list of IP addresses. This process, known as SPF flattening, significantly reduces the number of DNS lookups required when your emails are checked.
- Fixes the "Too Many DNS Lookups" Error: By reducing the lookup count, you'll avoid the "PermError" and improve email deliverability.
- Simplifies Your SPF Record: A flattened record is easier to understand and manage.
- Improves Email Deliverability: Ensure your legitimate emails reach the inbox, not the spam folder.
- Protects Your Domain Reputation: By authenticating your emails correctly, you safeguard your sender reputation.
Check Your SPF Record Now!
Eliminate the "Too Many DNS Lookups" error! Enter your domain name below to check your SPF record and see if you need to flatten it.