How do I troubleshoot BIMI logo not showing after implementation?

Summary

Troubleshooting a missing BIMI logo requires a multi-faceted approach focusing on DNS records, VMC validity (especially for Gmail), DMARC policy enforcement (p=quarantine or p=reject), and SVG logo formatting/hosting. Yahoo has specific reputation and volume requirements and may require direct contact. Propagation delays are common. The BIMI record selector must be correct. Although BIMI primarily enhances brand recognition, it can indirectly improve deliverability through increased engagement. Use BIMI lookup tools and VMC inspectors to validate your setup.

Key findings

  • VMC is essential: A VMC is essential for Gmail.
  • Yahoo has specific requirements: Yahoo has specific sending volume and reputation requirements. May require direct contact.
  • DMARC Policy: DMARC needs to be set to p=quarantine or p=reject.
  • Correct setup: DNS records, BIMI syntax, and SVG logo formatting are essential
  • Propagation delays: It can take time for the BIMI logo to show up initially

Key considerations

  • Use BIMI lookup tools: Use online tools to validate each component of the BIMI setup, including checking aggregate DMARC reports for failures.
  • Correct selector: Make sure that your selector is correct.
  • Proper SVG format: The SVG logo must be a valid SVG Tiny Portable/Secure (SVG Tiny PS) version, with no external links and hosted securely.
  • Patience: Even with correct setup, BIMI can take time to propagate and display across different email providers.
  • Yahoo contact: If you are not a high-volume sender, consider contacting Yahoo.

What email marketers say
7Marketer opinions

Troubleshooting a missing BIMI logo involves verifying several key aspects of the implementation. Correct DMARC and BIMI record setup are crucial, and tools should be used to validate their correctness. Gmail requires a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) for logo display, while Yahoo has specific sender reputation and volume requirements. Ensure the SVG logo is correctly formatted, hosted on a secure (HTTPS) server, and publicly accessible. Propagation delays are common, so patience is necessary. While BIMI enhances brand recognition, it doesn't directly impact deliverability but can indirectly improve engagement.

Key opinions

  • DMARC & BIMI Records: Ensure both DMARC and BIMI records are correctly configured and validated using lookup tools.
  • VMC Requirement: Gmail requires a valid VMC for BIMI logos to display; confirm its validity and association.
  • Logo Hosting: The BIMI logo must be hosted on a secure (HTTPS) server and be publicly accessible.
  • SVG Formatting: The SVG logo needs to be correctly formatted according to BIMI specifications.
  • Propagation Delay: BIMI implementation may take time to propagate across different email providers.

Key considerations

  • DMARC Enforcement: Verify that your DMARC policy is enforced and set to either 'quarantine' or 'reject'.
  • Yahoo's Requirements: Be aware of Yahoo's specific volume and reputation requirements for displaying BIMI logos.
  • Record Syntax: Double-check the BIMI record syntax for any errors.
  • Ongoing Monitoring: Regularly monitor your BIMI implementation to ensure continued functionality.
  • Indirect Deliverability: Understand that while BIMI doesn't directly improve deliverability, it enhances brand trust, potentially leading to better engagement.
Marketer view

Email marketer from Twitter recommends checking the BIMI record syntax, ensuring the logo SVG is accessible and valid, and verifying that the DMARC policy is enforced. They suggest using online tools to validate each component of the BIMI setup.

June 2023 - Twitter
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit explains that Gmail requires a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) for BIMI logos to display. They recommend confirming that the VMC is valid and properly associated with the domain. Without a VMC, Gmail will not display the BIMI logo.

March 2025 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email on Acid shares that the BIMI logo must be hosted on a secure (HTTPS) server. Ensure the SVG logo is publicly accessible and that the URL in the BIMI record points to the correct location.

September 2022 - Email on Acid
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailhardener Blog shares that common reasons for BIMI failure include incorrect selector in the BIMI record, failing to meet the minimum DMARC requirements, and image formatting issues with the SVG logo. Ensure the SVG is correctly formatted as per the BIMI specification.

April 2023 - Mailhardener Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Stackoverflow explains that even with correct setup, BIMI can take time to propagate and display across different email providers. Initial implementations may not be immediate. Patience is required. Use the correct DNS record with the logo URL and VMC info.

April 2024 - Stackoverflow
Marketer view

Email marketer from AuthSMTP shares that although BIMI doesn't directly affect deliverability it enhances brand recognition and builds trust, which can indirectly improve engagement rates. This improved engagement can then positively impact deliverability over time.

October 2021 - AuthSMTP
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that BIMI relies on correct DMARC and BIMI entries. They suggest using a BIMI LookUp tool to verify record correctness and recommend checking BIMI presence on Gmail before expecting it on Yahoo due to Yahoo's specific criteria.

September 2023 - Email Geeks

What the experts say
3Expert opinions

Troubleshooting a missing BIMI logo often involves addressing requirements specific to different email providers. Yahoo may take weeks to display a BIMI logo and might necessitate direct contact, also requiring a good sender reputation and high sending volume. Gmail requires a valid Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) for the logo to appear. Enforcing a DMARC policy of 'reject' or 'quarantine' is a general prerequisite for BIMI to function across ISPs.

Key opinions

  • Yahoo Delay & Requirements: Yahoo may take weeks to display a BIMI logo and requires a good sender reputation and high sending volume.
  • Gmail VMC Requirement: Gmail requires a valid Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) for BIMI logos to display.
  • DMARC Policy: A DMARC policy of 'reject' or 'quarantine' is necessary for ISPs to show the BIMI logo.

Key considerations

  • Yahoo Contact: Consider directly contacting Yahoo if the BIMI logo doesn't appear after several weeks, especially if you are a smaller sender.
  • VMC Validation: Ensure your VMC is valid and correctly associated with your domain, specifically for Gmail users.
  • Reputation Management: Work on maintaining a positive sender reputation to meet Yahoo's requirements for BIMI logo display.
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise shares that Yahoo has specific volume and reputation requirements for BIMI logos to display. If you are not a high-volume sender with a good reputation, your logo may not appear, even with correct setup. Direct engagement with Yahoo might be necessary.

July 2024 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource explains that a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is essential for BIMI, particularly for Gmail. Ensure you have a valid VMC from an authorized provider. They explain a BIMI record without a VMC will not display a logo in Gmail.

August 2024 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks explains that it can take a couple of weeks for BIMI to show up at Yahoo and may require direct contact. They also clarify that a DMARC policy of p=reject or p=quarantine is necessary for ISPs to display the BIMI logo.

September 2023 - Email Geeks

What the documentation says
4Technical articles

Troubleshooting a missing BIMI logo involves verifying DNS record setup, VMC validity, DMARC policy enforcement, and SVG logo compliance. Incorrect DNS records, a missing or invalid VMC, a DMARC policy not set to 'quarantine' or 'reject', or an SVG logo that doesn't meet BIMI's criteria (SVG Tiny PS, no external links, secure hosting) can all prevent the logo from displaying. Use tools like VMC Inspector to validate the certificate and review DMARC aggregate reports for failures.

Key findings

  • DNS Record Setup: Incorrect DNS record setup is a common cause of BIMI logo display issues.
  • VMC Validity: A valid VMC is required, and its details must match your organization.
  • DMARC Policy: A DMARC policy of 'quarantine' or 'reject' is mandatory for BIMI to function.
  • SVG Compliance: The BIMI logo must be a valid SVG Tiny Portable/Secure (SVG Tiny PS) version, with no external links and hosted securely.

Key considerations

  • VMC Inspection: Use tools like VMC Inspector to ensure your VMC is valid and has not expired.
  • DMARC Reporting: Review DMARC aggregate reports to identify any failures that may impact BIMI display.
  • Propagation Delays: Be aware that BIMI implementation can sometimes experience propagation delays.
  • Proper SVG Format: Confirm your SVG logo adheres to the specific BIMI format requirements.
Technical article

Documentation from DMARC Analyzer clarifies that a DMARC policy of either 'p=quarantine' or 'p=reject' is required for BIMI to function correctly. A policy of 'p=none' does not provide sufficient security for BIMI implementation. They also suggest checking aggregate reports for any DMARC failures that may be impacting BIMI display.

March 2023 - DMARC Analyzer
Technical article

Documentation from BIMI Group explains that a missing BIMI logo can be caused by several issues, including incorrect DNS record setup, lack of a valid VMC, DMARC policy not set to 'quarantine' or 'reject', or delays in propagation. Check each of these elements to ensure proper implementation.

September 2021 - BIMI Group
Technical article

Documentation from Entrust explains that your BIMI logo's SVG must meet specific criteria: it must be a valid SVG Tiny Portable/Secure (SVG Tiny PS) version, must not contain any external links or scripts, and must be hosted on a secure server. It also discusses the process for obtaining a VMC.

September 2022 - Entrust
Technical article

Documentation from DigiCert explains that a VMC's validity can be checked via their VMC Inspector tool. Ensure it has not expired, that the certificate details match your organization, and that the DNS records point to the correct location. If there are issues shown with your VMC, it will need to be renewed or reissued.

May 2023 - DigiCert