Why are DMARC reports showing temperrors or softfails for Klaviyo despite passing DMARC?

Summary

Even when DMARC passes, the presence of temperrors and softfails in DMARC reports for Klaviyo indicates underlying issues needing attention. These can stem from DNS misconfigurations, forwarding, DKIM selector mismatches, overly permissive DMARC policies, or limitations within email platforms. While DMARC passes if one authentication method aligns, persistent errors can harm sender reputation and deliverability. Thorough investigation and proactive measures are vital for email security and reliable delivery.

Key findings

  • DNS Configuration: DNS issues, including rogue nameservers or propagation inconsistencies, can cause authentication problems.
  • Email Forwarding: SPF softfails frequently arise from email forwarding, where the forwarding server lacks authorization in the original SPF record.
  • DKIM Selector Mismatch: Mismatched DKIM selectors between the email header and DNS records can trigger authentication failures.
  • Permissive DMARC: Permissive DMARC policies (e.g., 'p=none') allow messages with authentication flaws to pass, undermining security.
  • Platform Limitations: Some email platforms may have limitations or bugs that cause authentication issues with certain services.
  • Reputation: Even with passing DMARC, persistent softfails and temperrors can negatively affect the sender's reputation.
  • Third Party Errors: Errors can stem from the incorrect setup of Third party services such as Postmark.

Key considerations

  • Inspect DNS Records: Carefully inspect DNS records for proper configuration and consistent propagation.
  • Verify DKIM Selectors: Confirm that the DKIM selector used matches the one published in DNS.
  • Assess DMARC Policy: Assess and adjust the DMARC policy, balancing security with the potential to block legitimate mail.
  • Check Sender Reputation: Proactively monitor and safeguard sender reputation to ensure ongoing deliverability.
  • Test Klaviyo Setup: Ensure that SPF and DKIM records have been correctly setup for Klaviyo. Additionally emails sent on your behalf, and the set up of third party DKIM/SPF/CNAME records for authentication purposes.
  • Leverage DMARC Reports: Understand and utilize DMARC reports to identify authentication challenges and areas needing improvement.
  • Consult Expertise: Seek guidance from experts or resources to better understand and resolve DMARC-related errors.

What email marketers say
11Marketer opinions

Even when DMARC reports a 'pass,' the presence of temperrors and softfails for Klaviyo indicates underlying issues that should be investigated. These errors can stem from various sources, including email forwarding, DNS propagation problems, mismatches in DKIM selectors, and even overly permissive DMARC policies. While DMARC might pass because at least one authentication method (SPF or DKIM) aligns, consistent authentication failures can negatively impact sender reputation and email deliverability over time. Therefore, addressing these errors is crucial for maintaining a positive sender reputation and ensuring reliable email delivery.

Key opinions

  • Forwarding: SPF softfails often result from email forwarding, where the forwarding server isn't authorized by the original SPF record.
  • DNS Issues: Temperrors can be caused by DNS propagation problems or inconsistencies, making it difficult for receiving servers to properly resolve SPF or DKIM records.
  • DKIM Mismatch: DKIM temperrors can occur when the DKIM selector in the email doesn't match the selector published in the DNS records.
  • Permissive Policies: DMARC might pass due to permissive policies (e.g., 'p=none'), which allow emails with authentication issues to be delivered.
  • Platform Errors: Email Platforms such as Microsofts Outlook may break DKIM for services such as Postmark.
  • Reputation impact: Even if DMARC passes, frequent softfails and temperrors can negatively impact sender reputation.

Key considerations

  • Monitor DMARC reports: Regularly monitor DMARC reports to identify and address underlying authentication issues, even if DMARC is passing.
  • Verify DNS records: Ensure that SPF and DKIM records are correctly configured and consistently propagated across different geographic locations.
  • Check DKIM selectors: Verify that the DKIM selector used for signing emails matches the selector published in the DNS records.
  • Review DMARC policy: Consider using a stricter DMARC policy (e.g., 'p=quarantine' or 'p=reject') to better protect your domain from email spoofing, but only after carefully monitoring the impact.
  • Check for Third Party DKIM/SPF records: Check with Klaviyo to make sure the correct SPF/DKIM records have been setup for their service. Additionally emails sent on your behalf, and the set up of third party DKIM/SPF/CNAME records for authentication purposes.
  • Investigate issues: Investigate any temperrors or softfails even when DMARC is passing, as they indicate potential problems that could lead to deliverability issues.
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailOnAcid.com that says softfails/temperrors/permerrors which may pass DMARC could still be an indicator that the email servers are building a negative sender reputation, therefore they recommend investigating it more thoroughly.

May 2021 - EmailOnAcid.com
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks mentions that Outlook often breaks Postmark's DKIM and that the temperror/permerror issue has been ongoing for months with many domains, typically without both SPF and DKIM failures occurring simultaneously, which allows DMARC to pass.

December 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Klaviyo highlights that it's important to investigate even passing DMARC reports which have temperrors or softfails. These could indicate that the DMARC policy is too lenient or there could be a security risk where emails are being sent without authentication. They recommend regularly monitoring reports to improve email security and prevent malicious activity.

March 2023 - Klaviyo
Marketer view

Email marketer from SuperUser forum advises ensuring both SPF and DKIM are properly configured and aligned with the sending domain. Even if DMARC passes with one, having both configured correctly provides a more robust email authentication setup and reduces the risk of deliverability issues.

January 2023 - SuperUser
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks says that Softfails can be due to forwarding, while Temperror or Permerror results are common with Yahoo and Microsoft. Advises Tabish to talk with Glockapps for a more broad analysis.

August 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Litmus explains that even when DMARC technically passes, persistent SPF softfails or DKIM temperrors can negatively impact email deliverability over time. Email providers might start filtering emails as spam if they consistently see authentication issues, regardless of the DMARC pass.

January 2024 - Litmus.com
Marketer view

Email marketer from MXToolbox recommends checking for consistent DNS propagation across different geographic locations. Inconsistent DNS records can lead to intermittent temperrors as some servers resolve the records correctly while others don't.

August 2022 - MXToolbox
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit explains that SPF softfails often occur when an email is forwarded. The original SPF record might pass at the initial sending server, but when the email is forwarded, the new server's IP address might not be authorized in the original SPF record, leading to a softfail.

June 2022 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailGeek Community shares that DMARC can pass even if SPF or DKIM fail individually because DMARC requires only one of them to align with the 'From:' domain. If the email fails SPF but passes DKIM with proper alignment, DMARC will still pass.

November 2021 - EmailGeek Community
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackOverflow points out that DKIM temperrors can arise if the DKIM selector used for signing the email doesn't match the selector published in the DNS records. This mismatch can cause temporary authentication failures as the receiving server cannot validate the signature.

March 2021 - StackOverflow
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailDeliverability.com advises checking with Klaviyo to make sure the correct SPF/DKIM records have been setup for their service. Additionally emails sent on your behalf, and the set up of third party DKIM/SPF/CNAME records for authentication purposes.

August 2021 - EmailDeliverability.com

What the experts say
6Expert opinions

Even when DMARC passes, DMARC reports showing temperrors and softfails for Klaviyo indicate underlying issues that require attention. Experts suggest several potential causes: DNS misconfigurations (rogue nameservers, propagation issues), incorrect DKIM key setup (missing or wrong selector), and overly permissive DMARC policies ('p=none'). Addressing these issues is essential to maintain a secure and effective email sending setup.

Key opinions

  • DNS Misconfiguration: Rogue nameservers or improperly propagated DNS records can cause authentication inconsistencies.
  • Incorrect DKIM Setup: Missing or incorrect DKIM key setup, particularly related to the selector, can lead to authentication failures.
  • Permissive DMARC Policy: An overly permissive DMARC policy (p=none) allows emails with authentication problems to be delivered.
  • DMARC Reporting Meaning: It's important to understand the meaning of different error designations in DMARC reports to properly troubleshoot the issues.

Key considerations

  • Check DNS Records: Thoroughly check all DNS records to ensure proper configuration and propagation.
  • Verify DKIM Key: Verify the DKIM key is correctly set up, paying close attention to the selector.
  • Review DMARC Policy: Evaluate and adjust the DMARC policy to balance security with the risk of blocking legitimate emails.
  • Understand DMARC Reports: Consult resources or experts like Glockapps to understand the error designations in DMARC reports.
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks suggests checking all DNS records, as the issue could stem from a rogue nameserver or improperly propagated DNS record, especially when encountering inconsistencies in DMARC reports.

February 2023 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks says that the authentication failures are likely due to the domain not publishing a key at k1._domainkeys.freedom-grooming.com, further clarifying that neither k1 nor kl1 records are published.

April 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that temporary SPF and DKIM failures, even when DMARC passes, often point to underlying DNS issues or problems with key rotation. Monitoring these errors helps identify and address configuration problems that could eventually impact deliverability.

August 2022 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks explains where to find the DKIM selector in the email header and emphasizes that all emails should be signed the same way. Shares information about how a mail server checks for DKIM by creating a hostname from the 'd=' and 's=' values in the DKIM signature.

February 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks suggests speaking with Glockapps about the meaning of the different error designations they provide in DMARC reports.

September 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Spamresource.com says that sometimes DMARC passes despite underlying issues because of a 'permissive' policy, such as 'p=none'. They say that such a lax setup allows emails with authentication problems to reach inboxes, which is not secure.

March 2023 - Spamresource.com

What the documentation says
5Technical articles

DMARC reports showing temperrors and softfails despite passing DMARC indicate temporary authentication issues requiring investigation. Documentation highlights potential causes like DNS problems, server overloads, SPF lookup limits, and incorrect DKIM configurations. While these errors might not always cause immediate delivery failures, they signal areas for improvement in email authentication setup to enhance deliverability and security.

Key findings

  • Temporary Errors: Temperrors indicate the receiving server temporarily couldn't authenticate the message due to transient issues.
  • DNS Lookup Issues: SPF temperrors can occur because of DNS lookup problems on the receiving server's end.
  • Authentication Improvement: Temperrors and softfails signal areas for improvement in email authentication setup.
  • SPF Lookup Limit: Exceeding the DNS lookup limit in SPF records can cause temperrors.
  • Incorrect DKIM: Incorrectly configured DKIM records (selector, key content) prevent proper authentication.

Key considerations

  • Check DNS Configuration: Ensure proper DNS configuration and resolve any propagation issues.
  • Monitor SPF Lookups: Keep SPF record lookups within the specified limits.
  • Verify DKIM Setup: Verify the DKIM key and selector are correctly configured in DNS settings.
  • Review DMARC Reports: Regularly review DMARC reports for authentication issues and areas to improve security.
  • DNS overloads: Review overall DNS health as server overloads could impact email flow.
Technical article

Documentation from RFC explains that exceeding the DNS lookup limit in SPF records can cause temperrors. If an SPF record requires too many DNS queries to evaluate, the check might fail temporarily, resulting in authentication issues.

November 2023 - RFC
Technical article

Documentation from DMARC.org details that DMARC reports aggregate data about email authentication results. Temperrors and softfails indicate potential issues that, while not causing outright failures, signal areas for improvement in email authentication setup to enhance deliverability and security.

February 2025 - DMARC.org
Technical article

Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains that a temporary error (temperror) means the receiving mail server temporarily couldn't authenticate the message, often due to a transient issue such as DNS problems or server overload. These errors are usually retried automatically by the sending server.

January 2024 - Google Workspace Admin Help
Technical article

Documentation from Sendgrid emphasizes the necessity of ensuring that the DKIM key in your DNS settings is correctly configured with both the right selector and the matching public key content. An incorrectly configured DKIM record will lead to verification failures and cause DMARC to not fully authenticate emails sent from your domain.

May 2023 - Sendgrid.com
Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft explains that SPF temperrors can happen due to DNS lookup issues on the receiving server's end. If the receiver cannot properly resolve the domain's SPF record, a temperror occurs, indicating a temporary problem that might resolve itself.

October 2024 - Microsoft 365 Documentation