# SPF record for Zoho Campaigns

URL: https://iblockspam.com/spf/zoho-campaigns
Last updated: 2026-11-03

Include: include:zcsend.net
Where it goes: Your sender domain (@)
DNS lookups: 1 of 10

Zoho Campaigns asks for v=spf1 include:zcsend.net ~all as a TXT record on your sender domain, or for include:zcsend.net added after v=spf1 in the record you already have. Accounts in other Zoho regions use include:eu.zcsend.net (EU), include:zcsend.in (India) or include:zcsend.net.cn (China) instead. The default include costs 1 DNS lookup.

## Example records

- Zoho Campaigns only (Zoho's value) (TXT, host @): `v=spf1 include:zcsend.net ~all`
- Zoho Campaigns and Microsoft 365 (TXT, host @): `v=spf1 include:spf.protection.outlook.com include:zcsend.net ~all`
- Zoho Campaigns (EU data center) and Google Workspace (TXT, host @): `v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:eu.zcsend.net ~all`

## Notes

- Zoho's merged example is `v=spf1 include:zcsend.net include:sender.zohobooks.com ~all`, for a domain that also sends invoices from Zoho Books.
- Zoho says the default bounce (return path) address is a Zoho address. Once SPF and DKIM pass, you can add a Custom Return Path: a CNAME on a subdomain such as `zma`, so bounces use a subdomain of your domain.
- Public mailbox domains such as Gmail addresses can't be authenticated in Zoho Campaigns. Send from your own domain.

## How to add it

- In Zoho Campaigns, go to **Settings**, then **Email**, then **Senders and Authentication**, and click **Setup** next to your domain. Older accounts find it under **Settings > Deliverability > Domain Authentication**.
- Copy the SPF value from the **Authenticate Your Domain** window. Only an organization admin can open it.
- At your DNS host, open the TXT record on `@` that starts with `v=spf1` and add `include:zcsend.net` (or your region's include) right after `v=spf1`. If there's no SPF record, create one with `v=spf1 include:zcsend.net ~all`.
- Add the DKIM TXT record from the same window, then click **Authenticate**. Zoho says DNS changes can take up to 24 hours to update globally.
- Check the live record with the SPF Checker below.

## DKIM and DMARC

Zoho Campaigns also gives you a DKIM TXT record on a numbered host such as `2232._domainkey`, with a value that begins `k=rsa; p=`. Zoho doesn't create a DMARC record for you, and its status reads Protected only when all four parts are verified, including the custom return path. Then publish a [DMARC record](https://iblockspam.com/blog/dmarc-record-examples).

## Common mistakes

- Creating a second SPF TXT record for Zoho Campaigns. Zoho says a domain can have only one; add the include to the existing record.
- Using `include:zcsend.net` for an account hosted in Zoho's EU, India or China data center. Copy the include your setup screen shows.
- Adding the Custom Return Path CNAME on a host that already has an MX or A record. Zoho says validation then fails.

**Q: What is the SPF include for Zoho Campaigns?**
`include:zcsend.net` for the default data center, giving `v=spf1 include:zcsend.net ~all` on a domain with no other senders. Zoho lists `eu.zcsend.net` for the EU, `zcsend.in` for India and `zcsend.net.cn` for China.

**Q: I already use Zoho Mail. Do I need another SPF record for Zoho Campaigns?**
No. Add `include:zcsend.net` to the SPF record that already lists Zoho Mail, so the domain keeps a single `v=spf1` record. Zoho says a second SPF TXT record breaks authentication.

**Q: Why does Zoho Campaigns show my domain as At risk?**
Zoho shows At risk when none of SPF, DKIM, DMARC and the custom return path are configured or verified yet, and Needs attention when only some are. Wait for DNS to update, check each host name was copied exactly, then authenticate again.

Sources:
- Zoho Campaigns Help: Senders & Authentication Settings: https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/kb/campaigns-3-0/user-guide/settings/email/articles/v3-senders-authentication
- Zoho Campaigns Help: Authenticate email domain: https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/kb/campaigns/getting-started-guide/articles/how-to-authenticate-email-domain

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