How to troubleshoot DKIM setup issues when getting 550 5.7.26 unauthenticated sender error in Google Workspace?
Summary
What email marketers say9Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Mailjet Support shares steps for DKIM troubleshooting: checking DKIM record syntax, ensuring the selector matches, verifying DNS propagation, and confirming the sending domain matches the DKIM domain.
Email marketer from Reddit user u/mailauth responds suggesting to check if the domain's DNS records have fully propagated after setting up DKIM in Google Workspace, and ensuring that the DKIM key is properly configured within the Google Workspace admin console.
Email marketer from Email Geeks responds with a few suggestions for troubleshooting, including checking how the email was sent, verifying the SPF and DKIM setup, and contacting Google support if the client is a Google Workspace customer.
Email marketer from EasyDMARC Support explains that DMARC failures related to DKIM often arise when the DKIM signature doesn't align with the domain in the 'From' header. They advise ensuring the DKIM signing domain matches the sending domain.
Email marketer from Reddit user u/DKIMtester states that in cases of DKIM setup errors, the DKIM record should be thoroughly checked for typos. The record should be generated again to make sure it is correct.
Email marketer from Google Groups forum GJMcAnulty shared an approach to verify the DKIM key is correctly set up in the Google Workspace Admin console, and double check the public key deployed to the DNS exactly matches the key specified in Google Workspace.
Email marketer from MXToolbox Support shares that to troubleshoot DKIM, use MXToolbox's DKIM Record Lookup tool to diagnose errors like invalid key, incorrect selector, or DNS propagation issues. It emphasizes verifying that the record exists and is accessible.
Email marketer from Stack Overflow user 'EmailGuru' explains that common DKIM issues involve incorrect DNS record format, key length problems, or discrepancies between the selector used in the DNS record and the one used during email sending. It advises using online DKIM validators to check the record.
Email marketer from AuthSMTP shares that resolving the 550 5.7.26 error requires ensuring your emails are properly authenticated by setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records, which help mail servers verify your emails.
What the experts say3Expert opinions
Expert from Email Geeks shares a method to troubleshoot DKIM setup by suggesting to email to aboutmy.email and share the results.
Expert from Spam Resource explains that 550 5.7.26 errors combined with DMARC failures can be challenging to resolve. They recommend checking your reverse DNS records to prevent generic server names being used, and engaging your ESP or IT to check outbound settings.
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that 550 5.7.26 errors mean your email wasn't authenticated correctly. The expert recommends checking all of your DNS records, like SPF, DKIM and DMARC to ensure they are valid.
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from RFC 6376, the DKIM standard, explains that verification failures can occur due to DNS issues, incorrect key syntax, or message alteration. It emphasizes the importance of valid key retrieval and proper signature application.
Documentation from DKIM.org details the required syntax for DKIM records, including the version (v=DKIM1), key type (k=rsa), and public key (p=). It warns against common errors like missing semicolons or incorrect key encoding.
Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains that the 550 5.7.26 error indicates the receiving server suspects the message is spam because it isn't authenticated. It suggests verifying SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are correctly configured and that the sending IP address has a valid PTR record.
Documentation from Microsoft explains that error 550 5.7.26 can happen if emails are suspected of spam or the domain is not authenticated. They advise checking the domain reputation and authentication methods such as DKIM, SPF, and DMARC records.