What does Gmail's grey warning bar mean and why does it appear?

Email marketer from Email Geeks explains that if an email goes to spam after you created a rule, it’s likely due to other users doing weird things with those emails and that this is a co-incidence.

Email marketer from Email Geeks explains that the gmail spam filters think an email is spam based on their ML model or other data. The only reason it didn’t go to the spam folder was the tenant override.

Email marketer from HubSpot Blog explains that the grey warning bar or question mark is Gmail's method of alerting users to potentially insecure emails. Implementing email authentication protocols such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC can help reduce or eliminate these warnings.

Email marketer from Email Geeks explains that if you have a filter setup, Gmail puts the email where you asked to put it but still warns you that Gmail itself thinks this is spam (because the global ML model says so).

Email marketer from Reddit shares that the grey question mark often appears when an email is sent from a server that is not properly configured to send email on behalf of the sending domain, so it shows up when the sender hasn't authenticated their emails properly (SPF, DKIM, DMARC).

Email marketer from EmailOctopus Blog shares that a grey warning box in Gmail typically means Gmail isn't sure if the email is legitimate. It appears when the sender's authentication is lacking, or the content triggers spam filters. It serves as a caution to users to proceed with care.

Email marketer from Gmass shares that one of the best ways to avoid the grey question mark, is by setting up custom tracking domain and enabling DKIM and SPF records.

Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum responds that when you see the question mark, it's Gmail's way of warning you that the sender might not be who they say they are. It's essential to verify the sender's identity before clicking any links or providing personal information.

Email marketer from Email Geeks explains that the Gmail banner displays when Gmail thought it was spam, warning the user to be careful even if the organization has a different opinion.

Email marketer from Email Geeks explains that the grey bar you now see in the spam folder confirms that other folks think this is spam, so Gmail put your email in there as well.

Email marketer from Mailjet explains that the grey warning indicates the email lacks proper authentication and might be spoofed. Senders should implement SPF, DKIM and DMARC to properly authenticate and improve sender reputation.

Email marketer from EasyDMARC shares that when an email fails to pass DMARC validation checks, Gmail may show a grey question mark.

Expert from Spam Resource explains that if Gmail shows a question mark instead of the sender's logo, it means the message is not authenticated. Gmail is unsure if the sender is who they claim to be, so proceed with caution.

Expert from Word to the Wise (Laura Atkins) explains that a gray question mark icon next to the sender's name on Gmail means Google couldn't confirm the sender's identity. Users should be extra careful before clicking links or sending personal information in response to the message. Senders should authenticate by implementing SPF, DKIM and DMARC.

Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help indicates that a grey question mark means the message isn't authenticated. Gmail couldn't verify that the message was actually sent by the person who appears to be sending it. Users should be careful about replying to, or clicking links in, such messages.

Documentation from DMARC.org explains that DMARC is an email authentication protocol that allows senders to indicate that their emails are protected by SPF and DKIM, and tells receivers what to do if SPF and DKIM checks fail – such as display a warning or reject the message. Implementing DMARC can improve email security and reduce the likelihood of Gmail displaying a grey warning bar.

Documentation from Google Support explains that Gmail displays a grey bar as a security alert to inform users that the message might be suspicious. This can be due to various reasons, including the sender not being authenticated, the message containing potentially harmful content, or the message originating from an unusual source.