Why is Gmail showing a warning message despite passing DMARC?

Email marketer from GlockApps recommends using their deliverability testing tool to check for specific issues. The tool can identify if there are SPF, DKIM or DMARC issues or problems with the content.

Marketer from Email Geeks asks if the issue is with Tim Starr's domain and if they are using any inbound filter or SEG that rewrites DKIM or modifies message content.

Email marketer from Reddit suggests checking the alignment of DKIM and SPF records. Even if they technically pass, strict DMARC policies require alignment for full authentication, and misalignment can trigger warnings.

Email marketer from EmailonAcid mentions that one reason for Gmail warnings despite passing DMARC is that the email content might trigger spam filters due to certain keywords, excessive use of images, or poor HTML coding. Ensuring clean and engaging content is essential.

Email marketer from Neil Patel explains that Gmail may display a warning message if the sender's domain has a low reputation or if the email content triggers spam filters, even with passing DMARC. He advises improving sender reputation by consistently sending high-quality content and warming up the IP address.

Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum suggests that inconsistent sending IPs can sometimes cause Gmail to distrust messages, even if they pass DMARC. Ensuring that you are sending from consistent and reputable IPs is important.

Email marketer from Mailjet shares that a common reason for seeing warnings despite passing DMARC is inconsistent DKIM signatures, particularly if multiple sending sources are used. Ensuring all sending domains and IPs are properly aligned with DMARC policies is critical.

Email marketer from Sender Score responds that a poor sender score can cause Gmail to display warnings, even if DMARC passes. Sender score reflects your sending reputation, so maintaining good sending practices is crucial.

Email marketer from Litmus notes that one of the reasons for warnings is the lack of a consistent sending history, particularly if new domains or IPs are being used. Gradual warm-up of new sending sources is recommended to establish a good reputation.

Expert from Spam Resource explains that Gmail may show a warning despite DMARC passing because DMARC only verifies the sender's identity, not the email's content or the sender's reputation. Low engagement rates or problematic content can trigger warnings.

Expert from Word to the Wise responds that Gmail warnings often occur due to a discrepancy between authentication and sender reputation. Even with correct authentication, poor sender reputation from user complaints or low engagement can trigger warnings.

Expert from Email Geeks suggests using aboutmy.email to diagnose the issue.

Expert from Email Geeks guesses that DNS failures, inconsistent DNS results, or mail forwarding could be the cause of the Gmail warning messages despite passing DMARC.

Documentation from DMARC.org details that even if a message passes DMARC, Gmail's algorithms consider other factors, like sender reputation and user engagement, to determine if a warning is necessary. Reviewing feedback loops and postmaster tools can help identify issues.

Documentation from Microsoft shares that Gmail's reputation filtering can flag emails if the sending server's IP address is on a blocklist, even if DMARC passes. Regularly check IP reputation using tools such as Microsoft's SNDS.

Documentation from RFC 7489 (the DMARC standard) clarifies that while DMARC authentication protects against domain spoofing, it doesn't guarantee inbox placement or prevent warnings based on other factors like sender reputation and email content.

Documentation from SparkPost explains that even with passing DMARC, Gmail’s engagement-based filtering means low open and click rates can negatively affect deliverability. Ensure emails are relevant and engaging to improve sender reputation.

Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains that Gmail's warning messages can appear even when DMARC passes if other factors like unusual sending patterns, user reports of spam, or misconfigured authentication records are detected. It recommends regularly reviewing Google Postmaster Tools for detailed insights into deliverability issues.