How to Add an SPF Record in Network Solutions

Network Solutions is one of the oldest domain registrars on the internet, having operated since 1991. If your domain is registered with Network Solutions or you're using their nameservers, adding an SPF record requires navigating their Account Manager and Advanced DNS settings. The interface can be less intuitive than newer registrars, and DNS propagation tends to be slower -- but the process itself is straightforward once you know where to go.

This guide walks you through adding, editing, and troubleshooting SPF records in Network Solutions.

Why You Need SPF With Network Solutions Domains

Every domain that sends email needs an SPF record. It tells receiving mail servers which IP addresses and services are authorized to send email on behalf of your domain. Without one, providers like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo can't tell your legitimate email apart from spoofed messages.

Network Solutions domains are no exception. Whether you use Network Solutions' own email hosting, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or a third-party sending service, you need an SPF record published in your domain's DNS.

Step-by-Step: Adding an SPF Record in Network Solutions

A Note on the Host Field

In Network Solutions' DNS editor, the host field for your root domain should be @. Don't enter your full domain name -- Network Solutions appends it automatically. Entering example.com in the host field would create a record at example.com.example.com, which won't work.

Network Solutions Email and netsolmail.net

If you use Network Solutions' own email hosting service, your email is routed through their netsolmail.net infrastructure. Your SPF record must include this to authorize their servers.

A basic SPF record for Network Solutions email only:

v=spf1 include:netsolmail.net -all

Network Solutions may have already added an SPF record when you activated their email service. Always check what's already in your DNS before adding a new record.

Combining SPF Records in Network Solutions

Most Network Solutions users eventually need to add another email service alongside their existing setup. The rule is always the same -- merge everything into a single SPF record.

Network Solutions Email + Google Workspace

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

Network Solutions Email + Microsoft 365

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

Network Solutions Email + SendGrid

v=spf1 include:netsolmail.net include:sendgrid.net -all

Google Workspace Only (no Network Solutions email)

If you've fully migrated away from Network Solutions email and confirmed no email flows through their servers:

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

Common Network Solutions SPF Mistakes

Network Solutions' DNS editor has some quirks that can catch you off guard.

Confusing the DNS Editor Interface

Network Solutions has multiple areas that look like they might be the right place to edit DNS. The standard DNS view, the Advanced DNS section, and any bundled hosting settings can overlap. SPF records (TXT records) must be added in the Advanced DNS section. If you add your record in the wrong section, it may not be published.

Fix: Always navigate to Advanced DNS or Edit TXT Records to manage SPF records.

Duplicate SPF Records

Network Solutions may have auto-created an SPF record when you activated their email service. If you then add a second TXT record with a different SPF value, both records break. A domain can only have one SPF record.

Fix: Always check for existing SPF records first. If one exists, edit it to include the new service rather than creating a separate record.

Not Completing the Save Process

Network Solutions sometimes requires multiple clicks to save a DNS change -- an initial Continue button followed by a Save Changes confirmation. If you stop after the first click, the record won't be saved.

Fix: Follow through all confirmation dialogs until you see a confirmation message that the record has been saved.

Expecting Instant Propagation

Unlike Cloudflare or Route 53, Network Solutions DNS propagation is slow. Checking your record five minutes after saving and not finding it doesn't mean something is wrong -- it means you need to wait.

Fix: Allow up to 48 hours for full propagation. Check periodically using SPF Record Check.

Using the Wrong Host Field

Entering your full domain name instead of @ in the host field creates a record on a nonexistent subdomain. Your root domain remains unprotected.

Fix: Use @ for the host field when setting up SPF for your root domain.

Editing an Existing SPF Record in Network Solutions

If you need to update your SPF record to add a new service, remove an old one, or fix a mistake:

Verifying Your Network Solutions SPF Record

After adding or editing your SPF record, always verify it's live and correct. Go to SPF Record Check and enter your domain. The tool will:

• Confirm your SPF record is published
• Check for syntax errors
• Count your DNS lookups (must be 10 or fewer)
• Flag duplicate SPF records
• Show you exactly what receiving servers will see

Given that Network Solutions propagation can take up to 48 hours, you may need to check back later if the record hasn't appeared yet. If you still see errors after 48 hours, go back to the Advanced DNS editor and verify the record was saved correctly.

Complete Your Email Authentication

SPF is one piece of the email authentication puzzle. For full protection, you need all three protocols working together:

• DKIM adds a cryptographic signature to your outgoing emails, proving they haven't been tampered with in transit. Use DKIM Creator to generate your DKIM keys and add the records in Network Solutions the same way you added your SPF record.
• DMARC ties SPF and DKIM together and tells receiving servers what to do when authentication fails. Use DMARC Creator to build your DMARC policy.

With all three records published in Network Solutions DNS, mailbox providers can fully verify that your email is legitimate.

Monitor Your New SPF Record

You've created your SPF record — now make sure it keeps working. The Email Deliverability Suite watches your SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and MX records daily and alerts you when something breaks.