Why are my emails going to the promotions tab in Gmail? - Knowledge Base

Summary

Emails to iCloud and me.com may be blocked despite correct DMARC, SPF, and DKIM setup due to a complex interplay of factors. These include DNS resolution issues, IP/subdomain reputation problems (including past setup inconsistencies), DMARC alignment failures, strict authentication setup requirements by Apple, the use of shared IPs, content quality, recipient engagement, Sender ID misconfiguration, reverse DNS problems, and inconsistent sending volumes. Utilizing tools such as Google Postmaster Tools and monitoring SMTP error codes can provide valuable insights. Prioritizing list hygiene, engagement, consistent volume, correct DNS, and thorough authentication verification are key to improving deliverability.

Key findings

DNS Issues: Unresolved DNS records for sending subdomains can lead to immediate blocking.
Reputation Matters: Poor IP or subdomain reputation, potentially stemming from past issues, can impact deliverability even with correct authentication.
Incomplete Setup: Incomplete or incorrect email platform (e.g., Sendgrid) configurations can cause issues despite proper DNS records.
DMARC Alignment: DMARC failures due to misalignment between the 'From:' domain and SPF/DKIM results in rejections.
Apple's Strictness: Apple has strict security measures and relies heavily on engagement data, affecting filtering decisions.
Engagement Impact: Low recipient engagement (opens, clicks) negatively impacts deliverability.
Content Quality: Poor content quality (spam trigger words, poor image/text ratio) decreases deliverability.
Volume Sensitivity: Drastic changes in sending volume can trigger spam filters.
Shared IP Risks: Shared IP addresses can suffer deliverability issues due to the actions of other senders.
Sender ID: Misconfigured Sender ID can negatively affect deliverability to Microsoft filtered domains.

Key considerations

Verify DNS: Ensure all DNS records, particularly for subdomains, resolve correctly and are properly configured.
Monitor Reputation: Regularly monitor IP and subdomain reputation using available tools.
Authentication Verification: Double-check authentication setup within your sending platform and align with DNS records.
DMARC Configuration: Ensure DMARC is properly configured and that the 'From:' domain aligns with SPF/DKIM results.
Engagement Focus: Improve list hygiene and content relevance to increase engagement and minimize spam complaints.
High-Quality Content: Focus on creating high-quality, relevant, and engaging email content to avoid spam filters.
Consistent Volume: Maintain a stable sending volume, gradually increasing it if needed, to avoid triggering filters.
Dedicated IP Consideration: Consider using a dedicated IP address for more control over sending reputation.
Reverse DNS: Verify correct setup of Reverse DNS (PTR) records.
Sender ID: Ensure correct setup of Sender ID records for proper deliverability.
Feedback Loops: Set up and monitor feedback loops to identify and remove complainers.

What email marketers say

10 marketer opinions

Emails to iCloud and me.com may be blocked despite correct DMARC, SPF, and DKIM settings due to various factors. These include poor IP/subdomain reputation, incomplete setup in email platforms like Sendgrid, issues with reverse DNS, content quality, and lack of recipient engagement. Monitoring bounce messages, establishing feedback loops, and using a dedicated IP can help.

Key opinions

Reputation Matters: Even with proper authentication, a poor IP or subdomain reputation can lead to blocks.
Setup Verification: Email platform setups (e.g., Sendgrid) may require double-checking, even with correct DNS records.
Bounce Monitoring: Bounce messages often contain clues about the specific reasons for the blocks.
Content Quality: Low-quality or irrelevant content negatively impacts deliverability.
Reverse DNS (PTR): Incorrectly configured reverse DNS records can harm deliverability.
Engagement: Low recipient engagement rates may lead to blocking

Key considerations

Monitor Reputation: Regularly check IP and subdomain reputation using available tools.
Verify Setup: Thoroughly verify all settings within your email sending platform.
Analyze Bounces: Pay close attention to bounce messages to identify and address specific issues.
Improve Content: Focus on creating high-quality, relevant, and engaging email content.
Configure PTR: Ensure your reverse DNS records are properly configured.
Feedback Loops: Set up feedback loops to monitor spam complaints and maintain list hygiene
Dedicated IP: Consider using a dedicated IP address for better control over your sending reputation.
IP Warm Up: If switching to a new IP address or service, gradually warm up the IP to establish its reputation.

Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailjet suggests that blocks may occur due to a poor IP reputation, even with proper authentication. They recommend monitoring IP reputation using tools and ensuring the sending IP is not blacklisted.

28 Oct 2024 - Mailjet

Marketer view

Email marketer from GlockApps recommends using a dedicated IP address, as shared IPs can suffer from deliverability issues due to the actions of other senders. They advise warming up the dedicated IP gradually to establish a positive reputation.

6 Aug 2022 - GlockApps

What the experts say

4 expert opinions

Emails to iCloud and me.com may be blocked after setting up DMARC, SPF, and DKIM due to unresolved DNS records, lack of engagement with emails, and fluctuating sending volumes. Fixing DNS issues is crucial, and maintaining consistent sending habits and focusing on list hygiene can improve deliverability.

Key opinions

DNS Resolution: Unresolved DNS records for sending subdomains can cause immediate blocking.
Engagement Impact: Apple prioritizes engagement; low open and interaction rates can trigger blocks.
Volume Sensitivity: Sudden changes in sending volume can trigger spam filters.

Key considerations

Verify DNS: Ensure all DNS records, especially for subdomains, resolve correctly.
Improve Engagement: Focus on list hygiene and relevant content to increase recipient interaction.
Consistent Volume: Maintain a stable sending volume and gradually increase it when necessary.

Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks identifies that the subdomain `em8318.motiveunknown.com` does not resolve (NXDOMAIN), indicating a DNS problem.

21 Feb 2024 - Email Geeks

Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource highlights that drastic changes in sending volume can trigger filtering mechanisms, including those used by iCloud. They recommend maintaining a consistent sending volume and gradually increasing it when necessary.

14 Feb 2022 - Spam Resource

What the documentation says

5 technical articles

Emails to iCloud and me.com may be blocked after setting up DMARC, SPF, and DKIM because of strict security measures, DMARC failures due to misalignment of 'From:' domain with SPF/DKIM results, SMTP errors indicating policy rejections, improper Sender ID setup, or underlying issues revealed through Google Postmaster Tools.

Key findings

Strict Security: iCloud Mail employs rigorous security measures, making proper authentication setup essential.
DMARC Alignment: DMARC failures can occur if the 'From:' domain doesn't align with SPF/DKIM results.
SMTP Errors: SMTP error codes provide insights into the reasons for email blocks.
Sender ID Importance: Proper Sender ID setup, aligned with SPF records, aids deliverability.
Postmaster Tools Usefulness: Google Postmaster Tools can reveal general deliverability problems that also affect Apple domains.

Key considerations

Authentication Check: Thoroughly verify the setup of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to ensure compliance.
Domain Alignment: Ensure the 'From:' domain in emails aligns with SPF/DKIM authentication results.
Error Code Analysis: Carefully examine SMTP error codes to identify the cause of rejections.
Sender ID Configuration: Configure Sender ID to align with SPF records for improved deliverability to Microsoft-filtered domains.
Postmaster Tool Monitoring: Use Google Postmaster Tools to monitor your email practices and identify underlying issues.

Technical article

Documentation from Apple Support explains that iCloud Mail employs strict security measures, including SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, to protect users from spam and phishing. Incorrect or incomplete setup of these authentication methods can lead to blocked emails.

20 Aug 2024 - Apple Support

Technical article

Documentation from Google encourages using Postmaster Tools, which is a dashboard that reveals key details about your email practices. While it won't directly troubleshoot Apple, it can help you discover general problems that might also affect deliverability to Apple's domains.

17 Aug 2024 - Google Postmaster Tools Help