How to Add an SPF Record in GoDaddy (2025 Guide)

GoDaddy's DNS management interface is one of the most-searched for SPF setup guides - likely because the interface changes frequently and the field names are not intuitive. Here is the current step-by-step process.

Step 1: Access DNS Management

Log in to GoDaddy → click your account icon → "My Products" → find your domain → click "DNS" or "Manage DNS." If you use GoDaddy's website builder, you may need to navigate to "Domains" → click the three dots next to your domain → "Manage DNS."

Step 2: Look for Existing TXT / SPF Records

Scroll to the TXT Records section. GoDaddy historically showed a separate "SPF" record type, but now stores SPF as a TXT record. Look for any TXT record at the @ host that contains "v=spf1." If one exists, click the pencil icon to edit it rather than adding a new one.

Step 3: Add the SPF TXT Record

Click "Add" in the TXT Records section. Fill in these fields:

• Type: TXT
• Name: @
• Value: For Google Workspace: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all
• TTL: 1 Hour (or 3600 seconds)

Click Save. GoDaddy will show a warning that DNS changes can take up to 48 hours - in practice, GoDaddy DNS propagates within 15–30 minutes for most records.

SPF Values for Common Email Providers

• Google Workspace: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all
• Microsoft 365: v=spf1 include:spf.protection.outlook.com ~all
• Both Google + M365: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:spf.protection.outlook.com ~all

Common GoDaddy SPF Mistakes

• Adding a record instead of editing: If a TXT record with v=spf1 already exists, adding a second one breaks SPF. Always edit the existing record.
• Wrong host field: Use @ for the root domain. Using "www" or leaving it blank creates the record in the wrong place.
• Missing include: If GoDaddy is also your email host (via GoDaddy Email Essentials), add include:secureserver.net to your record alongside your ESP's include.

Verify the Record

After saving, use MXToolbox SPF Lookup or Google Admin Toolbox (toolbox.googleapps.com) to verify the record is live and parsing correctly. The MXToolbox result should show your ESP's IP ranges as "authorized senders" for your domain.