How to solve return-path issues when sending from multiple domains in Google Workspace?

Summary

When sending from multiple domains in Google Workspace, the primary email address is typically used as the return-path, which cannot be customized directly within Google Workspace. This behavior can lead to deliverability issues if not properly managed. While one expert suggests the default setup is acceptable, various strategies are recommended to mitigate potential problems. These include configuring Gmail to send through the SMTP of the other domain, using an SMTP relay service for more control over the return-path, setting up DKIM signing for all sending domains, implementing a DMARC policy, using subdomains, and monitoring deliverability via Google Postmaster Tools. Ensuring SPF records authorize all sending sources, especially Google's servers, is critical. For larger organizations, dedicated IP addresses are suggested. Furthermore, warming up new domains and setting up DMARC reporting are important for maintaining a positive sender reputation. The Return-Path (Envelope From) is defined as the destination for bounce messages, highlighting the importance of SPF alignment when it differs from the From domain. Tools like MXToolbox can help verify SPF record configuration.

Key findings

  • Return-Path Limitation: Google Workspace typically uses the primary email address as the return-path, which cannot be directly customized.
  • SMTP Relay: Using an SMTP relay service provides more control over the return-path and more customisation.
  • DKIM Importance: Setting up DKIM signing for all sending domains improves deliverability, even with a non-aligned return-path.
  • DMARC Policy: Implementing a DMARC policy helps manage SPF failures and specifies how receiving servers should handle unauthenticated emails.
  • Monitoring Deliverability: Monitoring deliverability with tools like Google Postmaster Tools is essential for identifying and addressing deliverability issues.
  • SPF Alignment Critical: SPF alignment is crucial when the Return-Path and From domains differ; ensuring proper authorization of sending sources is key.

Key considerations

  • SPF Configuration: Ensure SPF records authorize all sending sources, including Google's servers, for each domain; use tools like MXToolbox to verify.
  • Alternate From Addresses: Google Workspace allows adding alternate 'From' addresses, requiring verification of ownership.
  • Domain Reputation: Consider using subdomains to manage reputation for different sending purposes and enable independent SPF and DKIM records.
  • Dedicated IPs: Larger organizations may benefit from using dedicated IP addresses for greater control.
  • Warming Up Domains: Gradually warm up new sending domains to establish a positive sender reputation.
  • DMARC Reporting: Set up DMARC reporting to monitor SPF and DKIM alignment results and identify unauthorized use; take steps to improve email security as needed.

What email marketers say
12Marketer opinions

When sending from multiple domains in Google Workspace, the primary email address is typically used as the return-path, which can cause deliverability issues if not properly configured. Customization of the return-path within Google Workspace is generally not possible without using workarounds. Several strategies can mitigate these issues, including using SMTP relay services, setting up DKIM signing for all sending domains, implementing a DMARC policy, using subdomains, and monitoring deliverability through tools like Google Postmaster Tools. For larger organizations, dedicated IP addresses may provide more control. Warming up new sending domains and setting up DMARC reporting are also crucial for maintaining a positive sender reputation and identifying potential unauthorized use.

Key opinions

  • Return-Path Limitation: Google Workspace typically uses the primary email address as the return-path, which cannot be directly customized.
  • SMTP Relay: Using an SMTP relay service provides more control over the return-path.
  • DKIM Importance: Setting up DKIM signing for all sending domains improves deliverability, even with a non-aligned return-path.
  • DMARC Policy: Implementing a DMARC policy helps manage SPF failures and specifies how receiving servers should handle unauthenticated emails.
  • Monitoring Deliverability: Monitoring deliverability with tools like Google Postmaster Tools is essential for identifying and addressing deliverability issues.

Key considerations

  • SPF Configuration: Ensure SPF records authorize all sending sources, including Google's servers, for each domain.
  • Domain Reputation: Consider using subdomains to manage reputation for different sending purposes.
  • Dedicated IPs: Larger organizations may benefit from using dedicated IP addresses for greater control.
  • Warming Up Domains: Gradually warm up new sending domains to establish a positive sender reputation.
  • DMARC Reporting: Set up DMARC reporting to monitor SPF and DKIM alignment results and identify unauthorized use.
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks explains that in the context of DMARC, if DKIM is aligned and passing, then an SPF misalignment will not cause issues.

December 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Quora shares that implementing a DMARC policy can help manage situations where SPF fails due to the return-path mismatch. A DMARC policy allows you to specify how receiving mail servers should handle emails that fail SPF and DKIM checks.

November 2021 - Quora
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit shares that Google Workspace does not allow customization of the return-path. It will always be the primary email address associated with the Google account.

September 2023 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackOverflow recommends setting up DKIM signing for all sending domains within Google Workspace. This helps authenticate emails and improves deliverability, even if the return-path is the primary domain.

November 2022 - StackOverflow
Marketer view

Email marketer from LinkedIn suggests that larger organizations with high email volumes may consider using dedicated IP addresses for each domain. This provides more control over sender reputation and deliverability.

June 2022 - LinkedIn
Marketer view

Email marketer from DeliverabilityPro Blog advises gradually warming up new sending domains to establish a positive sender reputation. This involves sending a small volume of emails initially and gradually increasing it over time.

October 2023 - DeliverabilityPro Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from MailNinja Website explains the importance of monitoring email deliverability using tools like Google Postmaster Tools. This helps identify and address any issues related to SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.

July 2021 - MailNinja Website
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum suggests using an SMTP relay service to gain more control over the return-path. By configuring Gmail to send through the SMTP relay, the return-path can be customized.

January 2022 - Email Marketing Forum
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Marketing Blog shares that for different sending purposes, using subdomains can help manage reputation. Each subdomain can have its own SPF and DKIM records.

March 2025 - Email Marketing Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks explains that Google will always use the primary address as the return-path and there is no way to customize it, AFAIK.

January 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that if the second domain has its own non-google email server you can configure Gmail in workspace to send using the smtp of the other domain rather than simply alias the outgoing messages.

August 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit recommends setting up DMARC reporting to monitor SPF and DKIM alignment results. This helps identify any unauthorized use of your domains and improve email security.

February 2025 - Reddit

What the experts say
3Expert opinions

When dealing with return-path issues in Google Workspace with multiple sending domains, the primary concern revolves around SPF alignment and ensuring legitimate email sending practices. One perspective suggests the default setup is acceptable, while others emphasize the importance of proper SPF configuration. Specifically, the Return-Path (Envelope From) is where bounces are sent, and discrepancies between this and the From domain necessitate careful SPF record management to authorize Google's servers and prevent deliverability problems.

Key opinions

  • Legitimacy of Setup: The standard Google Workspace sending setup can be considered valid.
  • Return-Path Importance: The Return-Path (Envelope From) is the destination for bounce messages.
  • SPF Alignment Critical: SPF alignment is crucial when the Return-Path and From domains differ.

Key considerations

  • SPF Authorization: Ensure SPF records authorize the sending source for each domain.
  • Google's Servers: Confirm that SPF records include Google's servers if using Google Workspace to send emails.
  • Deliverability: Improper SPF alignment can negatively impact email deliverability.
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise shares that SPF alignment is critical when the Return-Path domain differs from the From domain. They suggest making sure that your SPF record includes any servers that might send on behalf of your domain, including Google's servers if you use Google Workspace.

June 2023 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from SpamResource explains that the Return-Path (also known as Envelope From) is the address where bounce messages are sent. Google Workspace's behavior of using the primary address can lead to issues if not properly aligned with SPF records. They recommend ensuring SPF records authorize the sending source for each domain.

June 2023 - SpamResource
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks responds that the mentioned sending setup is perfectly legit.

October 2024 - Email Geeks

What the documentation says
5Technical articles

Documentation from various sources outlines key aspects of managing return-path issues when sending from multiple domains in Google Workspace. It highlights the ability to add alternate "From" addresses, emphasizing the need for verification. It also stresses the importance of properly configuring SPF records to include Google's SPF record and utilizing tools like MXToolbox to verify SPF configuration. Furthermore, Google Postmaster Tools is recommended for monitoring sender reputation and identifying deliverability issues, while RFC 5321 clarifies the purpose of the Return-Path header as the destination for bounce messages.

Key findings

  • Alternate From Addresses: Google Workspace allows adding alternate 'From' addresses, requiring verification of ownership.
  • SPF Record Importance: SPF records must include Google's SPF record to authorize Google Workspace for sending.
  • SPF Verification Tools: Tools like MXToolbox can verify the correct configuration of SPF records.
  • Google Postmaster Tools: Google Postmaster Tools helps monitor sender reputation and identify deliverability issues.
  • Return-Path Definition: RFC 5321 defines the Return-Path as the address for delivery failure reports (bounces).

Key considerations

  • Address Verification: Ensure all alternate 'From' addresses are properly verified.
  • SPF Configuration: Verify that SPF records include all necessary sending sources, including Google.
  • Reputation Monitoring: Regularly monitor sender reputation using Google Postmaster Tools.
  • Deliverability Impact: Improper SPF configuration can negatively impact email deliverability.
Technical article

Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains how to add an alternate "From" address in Gmail. This allows users to send emails from different email addresses associated with their account. You need to verify ownership of the other email address.

January 2024 - Google Workspace Admin Help
Technical article

Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help recommends ensuring that SPF records for all sending domains include Google's SPF record (`include:_spf.google.com`) to authorize Google Workspace to send emails on behalf of those domains.

March 2024 - Google Workspace Admin Help
Technical article

Documentation from RFC 5321 defines the Return-Path header, clarifying its purpose and use in email delivery. It is the address to which delivery failure reports (bounces) should be sent.

April 2023 - RFC Editor
Technical article

Documentation from MXToolbox explains how to use MXToolbox's SPF record checker to verify that your SPF record is correctly configured and includes all necessary sending sources, including Google Workspace.

October 2023 - MXToolbox
Technical article

Documentation from Google Postmaster Tools explains that it allows senders to monitor their sending reputation with Gmail users. This can help identify issues that may be affecting deliverability, such as SPF or DKIM failures.

June 2022 - Google Postmaster Tools