How to Add an SPF Record in SiteGround

SiteGround is a well-regarded hosting provider known for reliable performance and solid customer support. If your domain is hosted on SiteGround, you'll manage DNS records through their Site Tools panel -- a custom interface that replaces the traditional cPanel for DNS management. Adding an SPF record is simple, but SiteGround has an important quirk: they often create a default SPF record for their own email hosting, so you may need to edit an existing record rather than creating a new one.

This guide walks you through the complete process of adding, editing, and verifying SPF records in SiteGround.

Why SPF Matters for SiteGround Domains

When your domain is hosted on SiteGround, email may be flowing through several different services -- SiteGround's own email hosting, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or transactional email platforms like SendGrid. Without an SPF record, receiving mail servers can't verify that these services are authorized to send email from your domain. That means more of your messages end up in spam.

An SPF record is a DNS TXT record that explicitly lists every server allowed to send email for your domain, as defined in RFC 7208. It takes just a few minutes to configure and makes a measurable difference in email deliverability.

Step-by-Step: Adding an SPF Record in SiteGround

A Note on the Name Field

In SiteGround's DNS Zone Editor, the Name field for a root domain TXT record should be left blank or set to your domain name. SiteGround automatically associates blank-name TXT records with the root domain. Don't enter @ in SiteGround -- unlike some other providers, SiteGround may not interpret @ correctly. If you're unsure, leave the field empty.

SiteGround's Default SPF Record

SiteGround frequently creates a default SPF record when you set up email hosting with them. This record authorizes SiteGround's mail servers to send on behalf of your domain. It might look something like:

v=spf1 +a +mx +ip4:xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx ~all

If you see this and you also use other email services (like Google Workspace), you need to edit this record -- not create a second one. Merge the mechanisms into a single SPF record:

v=spf1 +a +mx include:_spf.google.com -all

If you've moved email away from SiteGround entirely, replace the default record with one that only includes your current email services.

SPF Record Examples for SiteGround

Google Workspace Only

Use the _spf.google.com include for Google Workspace:

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com -all

Microsoft 365 Only

Use the spf.protection.outlook.com include for Microsoft 365:

v=spf1 include:spf.protection.outlook.com -all

SiteGround Email + Google Workspace

v=spf1 +a +mx include:_spf.google.com -all

Google Workspace + SendGrid

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

Microsoft 365 + Mailchimp

v=spf1 include:spf.protection.outlook.com include:servers.mcsv.net -all

Common SiteGround SPF Mistakes

Ignoring the Default SPF Record

The number one SiteGround-specific mistake. Since SiteGround auto-creates an SPF record for their email hosting, many users add a second SPF record for Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 without realizing one already exists. Two SPF records cause a permerror that breaks SPF completely. Always check the TXT records first.

Using @ in the Name Field

Unlike providers like Cloudflare or GoDaddy, SiteGround's DNS Zone Editor expects the Name field to be blank for root domain records. Entering @ may create the record on a literal @ subdomain instead of the root domain. Leave the Name field empty.

Keeping SiteGround Mechanisms After Switching Email Providers

If you migrate from SiteGround email to Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, update your SPF record to remove the SiteGround-specific mechanisms (+a +mx or IP addresses). Keeping them wastes DNS lookups and adds unnecessary complexity.

Forgetting to Click Create

SiteGround's interface requires you to click the Create button after filling in the record details. It's easy to fill in the fields and navigate away without saving. Always confirm the record appears in the list after creating it.

Editing an Existing SPF Record in SiteGround

Verifying Your SPF Record

After adding or editing your SPF record in SiteGround, confirm it's live and correct.

• SPF Record Check -- Go to spfrecordcheck.com and enter your domain. It validates syntax, counts DNS lookups, and flags issues.
• Send a test email -- Send a message from each email service listed in your SPF record and check the headers on the receiving end for spf=pass.
• Command line -- Run dig TXT yourdomain.com +short to see the raw TXT records for your domain.

Complete Your Email Authentication

SPF is the first layer. For full email authentication, you need all three protocols:

• DKIM adds a cryptographic signature to outgoing emails, verifying they haven't been altered. Use DKIM Creator to generate your DKIM keys and add the records in SiteGround's DNS Zone Editor.
• DMARC ties SPF and DKIM together and defines what happens when authentication fails. Use DMARC Creator to build your DMARC policy.

Adding DKIM and DMARC records in SiteGround follows the same process -- create TXT records with the appropriate names and values.