What does the 'Mail From' mean in DMARC reports and how does it relate to SPF and DKIM for Zendesk?
Summary
What email marketers say11Marketer opinions
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that emails fail SPF because the 'mail from' doesn't align with the 'header from'. However, if they are DKIM signed with the company's domain, DMARC will pass.
Marketer from Email Geeks answers, if emails are passing DKIM, SPF alignment issues can be ignored. Also if failing both SPF and DKIM, to set up DKIM first.
Email marketer from MXToolbox explains that the 'Mail From' address, often invisible to the end-user, is crucial for SPF validation. If the sending server doesn't match the domain's SPF record, emails are likely to fail DMARC authentication, impacting deliverability especially for services like Zendesk.
Email marketer from AuthSMTP explains that the Mail From is an email address used to provide sender information. If you use a service to send an email, and the service is not correctly configured, then the receiving mail servers will reject the email.
Email marketer from Postmark explains that Return-Path, also known as Mail From, is typically hidden from the recipient but plays a key role in email delivery and authentication. It's where bounces are sent and is used by SPF to verify the sender's authenticity.
Email marketer from EmailGeeks Forum explains that the 'Mail From' is the envelope sender address, where bounces go, while the 'Header From' is what the recipient sees. For DMARC to pass, either SPF with aligned 'Mail From' or DKIM must authenticate the email source.
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that you wouldn't see reports for the Zendesk subdomain since you don't control that DMARC policy.
Email marketer from StackOverflow explains that the 'Mail From' domain (Return-Path) needs to be configured correctly for SPF to pass. If using a third-party service like Zendesk, you must ensure your SPF record authorizes their servers to send on your behalf. DMARC uses SPF and DKIM results to determine if an email is legitimate.
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that the 'Mail From' in DMARC reports is the return-path where the SPF is checked, and it's likely Zendesk using their domain to track bounces.
Email marketer from Mailjet explains that the Mail From is an email address used to provide sender information to email service providers (ESPs). It's the envelope sender of an email, a critical component of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC protocols used for authenticating emails.
Email marketer from Reddit shares that SPF might fail if Zendesk is sending emails on behalf of your domain but the 'Mail From' domain (Return-Path) isn't properly authorized in your SPF record. Ensure your SPF record includes Zendesk's sending servers or use DKIM for authentication.
What the experts say2Expert opinions
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that Email authentication is a collection of records and signatures used by receiving mail systems to verify that the messages they receive did, in fact, originate from your systems and haven’t been tampered with en route. Authentication can be used to verify the envelope (MAIL FROM) address, or the message itself.
Expert from Spam Resource explains that the Return-Path, or Mail From, is the address to which bounce messages are sent. It's critical for SPF authentication. To ensure DMARC compliance, either the domain in the Return-Path must align with the From: header (SPF alignment) or the email must pass DKIM authentication.
What the documentation says5Technical articles
Documentation from Microsoft explains that the Mail From helps with verifying the sender. To use a third party to send email using your custom domain, your domain must pass sender ID checks like SPF. Therefore, you may need to add the sending service to your SPF record.
Documentation from RFC specification explains that the 'Mail From' is defined as part of the SMTP protocol and is used to specify the return path for error messages. This address is often used for SPF checks and is a key component in DMARC authentication.
Documentation from EasyDMARC explains that SPF alignment refers to whether the domain used in the 'Mail From' (Return-Path) matches the domain used in the 'From' header. DMARC requires either SPF or DKIM to align for an email to pass authentication. Alignment can be strict or relaxed depending on the DMARC policy.
Documentation from Dmarcian.com explains that the Mail From domain, also known as the envelope sender or Return-Path, is where bounce messages are sent. It is crucial for SPF checks and can affect DMARC alignment if not properly configured.
Documentation from Zendesk Help Center explains that DKIM adds a digital signature to outgoing email, which allows recipient servers to verify that the email was sent by Zendesk and hasn't been tampered with. Proper DKIM configuration is essential for improving email deliverability and passing DMARC checks when using Zendesk.