Why are my emails blocked by iCloud/mac/me.com despite a good sender reputation?

Email marketer from ReturnPath explains that monitoring your sender reputation through various tools helps you identify and address deliverability issues proactively. Consistent monitoring allows you to catch and fix any problems before they lead to blocks from ISPs like iCloud.

Email marketer from GlockApps shares that seed testing with various email providers, including iCloud, can help identify deliverability issues before a large-scale send. Analyzing placement in inbox vs. spam folder provides insights into filtering practices.

Email marketer from Postmark explains that setting up feedback loops with ISPs allows you to receive notifications when users mark your emails as spam. Addressing these complaints promptly improves your reputation and reduces the likelihood of blocks from providers like iCloud.

Email marketer from HubSpot explains that warming up a new IP address gradually is important to establish a sending reputation. Suddenly sending large volumes of emails from a new IP, even with proper authentication, can trigger filters with providers like iCloud.

Email marketer from Email on Acid explains that implementing DMARC and monitoring DMARC reports helps identify potential spoofing or unauthorized use of your domain, which can negatively impact your reputation with ISPs like Apple. Regular DMARC analysis allows for proactive adjustments.

Email marketer from Mailjet shares that even with a good reputation, iCloud may block emails due to strict filtering. Ensuring proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), maintaining low spam complaint rates, and avoiding sudden spikes in sending volume are crucial for iCloud deliverability.

Email marketer from Sendinblue suggests that generic, non-personalized content is more likely to be flagged as spam. Increasing personalization and tailoring content to individual subscribers can improve engagement and deliverability, even with stricter domains like iCloud.

Email marketer from Email Geeks notes having clients with unusually high bounces at icloud/mac/me.com domains and suspects it might be related to full mailboxes, further adding a link to Apple support saying they made changes and to try to resend.

Email marketer from Litmus shares that maintaining good list hygiene, regularly removing unengaged subscribers, and minimizing spam traps will help improve your sender reputation. High bounce rates and spam complaints can lead to blocks, even with a previously good reputation.

Email marketer from Reddit user u/EmailGuru mentions that iCloud can be sensitive to content, even with a good IP reputation. Using URL shorteners or including certain keywords can trigger filters. Try A/B testing different content variations to identify the trigger.

Email marketer from Talos Intelligence explains that checking your IP and domain reputation on their platform provides insights into how Cisco views your sending practices. A poor reputation with Talos can impact deliverability across various email providers, including iCloud.

Expert from Email Geeks explains that iCloud's spam algorithm is sophisticated, using Proofpoint and their own work, with some staff having 20 years of experience handling spam.

Expert from Spamresource.com shares that a sudden increase in email volume, even with a good reputation, can trigger iCloud's spam filters. Gradually increasing sending volume helps establish a consistent sending pattern, reducing the likelihood of blocks.

Expert from Email Geeks asks for the full bounce description and notes that the current bounce message appears to be a sanitized SFMC-specific message, advising that sometimes iCloud provides more detailed data.

Expert from Spamresource.com answers explains that even with a good sender reputation, poor list management can cause issues. Make sure that you are pruning unengaged recipients.

Expert from Email Geeks shares an experience of an email being blocked by Apple and how contacting them with detailed information about the email, acquisition methods, and suppression practices led to the block being lifted quickly.

Expert from Email Geeks notes the block could be transient or due to something more, inquiring if a dedicated IP is being used.

Expert from Email Geeks suggests checking the links/domains in the email and asks if anything new was mentioned, implying rejections happen after DATA when the whole message is seen.

Expert from Word to the Wise, Steve Jones, explains that even with a good sender reputation, iCloud might block emails if authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are not properly configured. Ensuring strict adherence to these protocols is essential for iCloud deliverability.

Expert from Email Geeks advises sending an email to postmaster@proofpoint with the IP address and block message, explaining that it's a dedicated IP and asking about the reason for the block, mentioning they are generally helpful.

Expert from Email Geeks shares a link to Apple support and suggests that the knowledgeable staff there may be able to help.

Documentation from RFC Editor highlights that consistent adherence to SMTP standards is crucial for deliverability. Non-compliant email formats, missing headers, or improper encoding can lead to filtering by providers like iCloud, regardless of sender reputation.

Documentation from DKIM.org clarifies that a properly implemented DKIM signature assures recipients that the email content hasn't been altered during transit. Invalid or missing DKIM signatures can result in filtering by ISPs, irrespective of other reputation factors.

Documentation from Apple Support explains that to ensure mail is delivered to iCloud Mail recipients, you should use a dedicated IP address, set up valid reverse DNS records for your IP address, sign messages with DKIM, publish an SPF record, and monitor your sending reputation with services like Spamhaus.

Documentation from Spamhaus explains that IP address reputation is crucial for email delivery. Even a temporary listing on their blocklists can cause deliverability issues, especially with stricter domains like iCloud. Regularly check your IP against their lists and address any issues promptly.