How to Check Email Deliverability: SPF, DKIM, DMARC Explained

Why Emails End Up in Spam

If your emails aren't reaching inboxes, the problem is often missing or misconfigured email authentication records in your DNS. The three key standards are SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.

Check Your Domain's Email Authentication

Use our DNS Analyzer to instantly check if your domain has SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records configured correctly.

SPF (Sender Policy Framework)

SPF is a DNS TXT record that specifies which mail servers are authorized to send email on behalf of your domain. It prevents spammers from forging your "From" address.

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:sendgrid.net ~all

~all = soft fail (recommended), -all = hard fail, +all = allow all (dangerous!).

DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)

DKIM adds a cryptographic signature to outgoing emails, allowing receiving servers to verify the email wasn't tampered with in transit. It's configured as a TXT record at a specific subdomain like mail._domainkey.example.com.

DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication)

DMARC builds on SPF and DKIM by specifying what to do when authentication fails: none (monitor), quarantine (spam folder), or reject (block entirely).

v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:[email protected]

Email Validation Tool

Use our Email Checker to validate any email address — checking syntax, domain MX records, and whether it comes from a disposable email service.

Quick Checklist for Good Email Deliverability

• ✅ SPF record configured and valid
• ✅ DKIM set up with your email provider
• ✅ DMARC policy in place (start with p=none)
• ✅ Domain is not on email blacklists
• ✅ Sending from a custom domain (not Gmail/Yahoo)
• ✅ Unsubscribe link in all marketing emails

Conclusion

Email deliverability is directly tied to proper DNS configuration. Implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to maximize inbox placement. Check your current setup with our free DNS Analyzer.