If you receive messages indicating "email rejected per DMARC policy," it's likely due to one of the following causes. Let’s explore these in detail and provide solutions to help you resolve the issue.
Reason 1: DKIM Authentication Record is Not Set
DMARC requires a valid DKIM Authentication Record for your emails to pass its validation. This record allows receiving servers to verify that the email is genuinely from the stated sender and not a fraudster.
How To Troubleshoot:
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Set Up DKIM Authentication: Make sure your domain is configured with the appropriate DKIM authentication.
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Steps to Set Up DKIM:
- Configure your domain's DNS to publish the public and private keys for DKIM signatures.
- Add a TXT record to your DNS settings containing the public key for DKIM authentication.
- Ensure your email software uses DKIM signatures when sending emails.
- Alternatively, you can implement SPF to help with the authentication process if DKIM isn’t feasible.
For detailed instructions, consult YourDMARC’s DKIM setup guide.
Reason 2: SPF Does Not Allow Email Aliases
If you’re sending emails from an alias and the domain’s SPF policy is restrictive, emails sent from these aliases may be rejected. For example, emails sent from a Gmail alias while using a custom domain could be flagged as unauthorized by the SPF policy.
How To Troubleshoot:
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Update Your SPF Record: Ensure that your domain’s SPF record includes the email alias.
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Steps to Add Alias to SPF:
- Obtain the SPF record for your alias email provider (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook).
- Go to your DNS management tool, locate the existing SPF record, and append the alias SPF entry.
- For Gmail, the SPF record would be:
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all. - Consult YourDMARC for further assistance with SPF record configuration.
Example of SPF Records for Specific Providers:
- Gmail:
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all - Outlook:
v=spf1 include:spf.protection.outlook.com ~all - Yahoo:
v=spf1 include:spf.mail.yahoo.com ~all
Reason 3: The ‘FROM’ Field Needs to Be Updated
When the email's 'FROM' field doesn't match the sender's domain, it can be flagged as a phishing attempt or spam by DMARC.
How To Troubleshoot:
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Update the ‘FROM’ Field: Make sure that the 'FROM' field in your email matches your authenticated domain.
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Steps to Update the ‘FROM’ Field:
- Go to your email service settings (e.g., Gmail, Outlook).
- Update the 'FROM' address to reflect your brand’s email address.
- If necessary, use the ‘REPLY-TO’ address for flexibility in using multiple email addresses.
For example:
- In Gmail, go to Settings → Accounts and Import → Send mail as, and set the correct ‘FROM’ address.
More Information
- Email Bounces: These occur when an email cannot be delivered to the recipient, possibly due to DMARC policy errors or full inboxes. Ensure your email records are properly set to prevent this.
- Emails Sent to the Spam Folder: Messages may be routed to spam if they contain certain characteristics that are flagged by spam filters. To prevent this, ensure your emails have clear unsubscribe options and avoid sending unsolicited bulk emails.
Conclusion
Proper DMARC implementation, including DKIM, SPF, and correct 'FROM' field settings, is essential to prevent the "email rejected per DMARC policy" error. By following the troubleshooting steps above, you can resolve the issue and ensure your emails are delivered properly.
If you're encountering difficulties with these steps, YourDMARC offers a comprehensive solution to assist you with DKIM, SPF, and DMARC configuration, as well as continuous monitoring of your email authentication settings. Sign up for a YourDMARC trial to simplify your email security management and prevent these issues from occurring.
For further assistance, please refer to YourDMARC's support team directly.
