AWS SES SPF Hard Fail: Configure SPF Record
Your AWS SES SPF record is failing or missing
Fix within 24 hours.
Check your AWS SES SPF setup:
In AWS SES console, check Identities > Domain > SMTP Settings
View your SPF record requirement
Check if SPF record is published in DNS using SPF record checker
What Could Be Causing This?
AWS SES SPF Record Not in DNS
Most CommonAWS SES requires you to add an SPF include to your domain's SPF record. Missing record = SPF fail.
How to confirm:
Run SPF record checker. Look for aws.amazonses.com include.
Fix Playbook
Step 1: Add AWS SES to Your SPF Record
- In AWS SES console, check SMTP Settings for your SPF string
- Edit your DNS SPF record (or create one if missing)
- Add AWS SES include: include:amazonses.com
- Wait for DNS propagation
- Verify with SPF record checker
AWS SES-Specific Note:
AWS SES requires simple include:amazonses.com — no complex SPF alignment needed.
Prevention Checklist
- Verify SPF record includes AWS SES
- Monitor SPF status weekly
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