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Fix the “Unknown SPF issue” error in HoneyBook

Learn how to fix the “Unknown SPF issue” error in HoneyBook by reviewing and updating your SPF record in your domain provider’s DNS

Updated today

The “Unknown SPF issue” error means:

  • Your SPF record exists

  • The syntax is valid

  • Something else is preventing providers from verifying it correctly

This can happen for several reasons, such as misconfigured DNS settings, unsupported SPF mechanisms, or provider-specific requirements. If left unresolved, your HoneyBook emails may go to spam or fail to deliver.

To fix this error, you’ll need:

  • Access to your domain provider’s DNS management console such as GoDaddy, Squarespace, or Namecheap

  • The correct SPF record for your email provider such as Google Workspace, Outlook, iCloud, or Zoho

📣 Note

HoneyBook detects the error but can’t make DNS changes for you. Updates must be made directly in your domain provider’s settings. If needed, contact your provider’s support team.

Step 1: Log in to your domain provider

  1. Go to your domain provider’s DNS management console

  2. If you’re unsure who your domain provider is, use a domain lookup tool → enter your domain (everything after the @)

  3. Confirm your registrar or reseller

Step 2: Check your SPF record

  • Ensure you only have one SPF record. If multiple exist, combine them into one.

  • Verify your SPF record includes both a valid start (v=spf1) and a valid ending (~all, -all, or ?all)

  • Review the domains or IPs included in the record to make sure they match your provider’s requirements

Step 3: Compare against known working SPF values

Here are examples from common providers:

  • Google Workspace: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all

  • Outlook or Office 365: v=spf1 include:spf.protection.outlook.com -all

  • iCloud: v=spf1 include:icloud.com ~all

  • Zoho Mail: v=spf1 include:one.zoho.com -all

Step 4: Save and verify your changes

  1. Save your updated SPF record in your DNS console

  2. Wait up to 48 hours for DNS changes to propagate

  3. Run HoneyBook’s domain tester again to confirm the error is fixed

  4. Optionally, validate with a third-party SPF checking tool

High-volume senders (5,000+ emails per day)

If you send more than 5,000 emails daily, Google and Yahoo’s 2024 deliverability rules apply to you. In addition to SPF:

  1. Set up your DKIM record

  2. Add a DMARC record to protect against spoofing

  3. Use a DMARC checker to confirm configuration

Still have questions? Feel free to send us a message by clicking the Question Mark icon on any HoneyBook page. Our team is always happy to help!

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