# SPF record for Namecheap Private Email

URL: https://iblockspam.com/spf/namecheap-private-email
Last updated: 2026-11-03

Include: include:spf.privateemail.com
Where it goes: Your domain (@)
DNS lookups: 4 of 10

Namecheap Private Email uses the SPF record v=spf1 include:spf.privateemail.com ~all, published as a TXT record on your domain (host @). The include costs 4 DNS lookups. If your domain uses Namecheap BasicDNS, the Private Email records can be set up from your Namecheap account; with third-party DNS you add them at that DNS host.

## Example records

- Private Email only (as Namecheap documents it) (TXT, host @): `v=spf1 include:spf.privateemail.com ~all`
- Private Email and Mailjet for newsletters (TXT, host @): `v=spf1 include:spf.privateemail.com include:spf.mailjet.com ~all`
- Private Email and Freshdesk (US data center) (TXT, host @): `v=spf1 include:spf.privateemail.com include:fdspfus.freshemail.io ~all`

## Notes

- Namecheap's third-party DNS table lists five required records for Private Email: two MX records (`mx1.privateemail.com` and `mx2.privateemail.com`, priority 10), the SPF TXT, a DKIM TXT and a DMARC TXT.
- The `mail`, `autodiscover` and `autoconfig` CNAMEs and the `_autodiscover` SRV record Namecheap lists are optional and don't affect delivery or SPF.

## How to add it

- Find out where your domain's DNS is hosted: Namecheap BasicDNS, Namecheap Web Hosting DNS, Premium DNS or a third-party provider.
- At that DNS host, look for a TXT record on `@` that starts with `v=spf1`.
- If there is one, add `include:spf.privateemail.com` to it. If there isn't, create a TXT record with host `@` and value `v=spf1 include:spf.privateemail.com ~all`.
- Add the DKIM TXT record from your Private Email subscription and a DMARC record on `_dmarc` at the same time.
- Namecheap says to allow up to 30 minutes for propagation before testing; then check the live record with the SPF Checker below.

## DKIM and DMARC

Namecheap says the DKIM record is mandatory for outgoing Private Email to work correctly. It is a TXT record named `privateemail._domainkey` (or `default._domainkey` for subscriptions bought before 2 June 2026), with a key unique to your subscription. Namecheap's example DMARC record is `v=DMARC1; p=none;` with a report address; once mail passes, tighten it as in our [DMARC record examples](https://iblockspam.com/blog/dmarc-record-examples).

## Common mistakes

- Leaving an SPF record from your previous mail host and adding a second one for Private Email. Merge the includes into one `v=spf1` record.
- Adding the records at Namecheap while the domain's nameservers point to another DNS host. They only work where the nameservers point.

**Q: What is the SPF record for Namecheap Private Email?**
Namecheap gives a TXT record on host `@` with the value `v=spf1 include:spf.privateemail.com ~all`. If the domain already has an SPF record, add `include:spf.privateemail.com` to it instead of creating a second one.

**Q: Which records does Namecheap Private Email need on third-party DNS?**
Two MX records (`mx1.privateemail.com` and `mx2.privateemail.com`, both priority 10), the SPF TXT record on `@`, a DKIM TXT record on `privateemail._domainkey` and a DMARC TXT record on `_dmarc`. Namecheap marks the `mail`, `autodiscover` and `autoconfig` records as optional.

**Q: How long does a Private Email SPF change take to work?**
Namecheap says to allow up to 30 minutes for propagation on third-party DNS before testing. A long TTL on an older record can make the change take longer to reach every resolver.

Sources:
- Namecheap Knowledgebase: Namecheap Private Email records for domains with third-party DNS: https://www.namecheap.com/support/knowledgebase/article.aspx/1340/2176/namecheap-private-email-records-for-domains-with-thirdparty-dns/
- Namecheap Knowledgebase: How to set up a DKIM record for Private Email: https://www.namecheap.com/support/knowledgebase/article.aspx/10383/2176/how-to-set-up-a-dkim-record-for-private-email/

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