Why is my BIMI logo broken in Gmail and how can I fix it?
Summary
What email marketers say9Marketer opinions
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that Google requires a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) for the BIMI logo to be displayed in Gmail.
Email marketer from EmailGeekForum user LogoLover responds that the SVG logo file must be in a specific format (SVG Tiny Portable/Secure). Using other SVG formats can cause rendering issues in Gmail.
Email marketer from Reddit user u/email_expert shares that the logo image must be hosted on a secure (HTTPS) server and be publicly accessible. If the image URL is not secure or requires authentication, Gmail will not be able to display it.
Email marketer from EmailOnAcid Community suggests using BIMI preview tools to validate the BIMI record and logo. These tools can help identify any errors or issues preventing the logo from displaying correctly.
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that the root organizational domain must be at enforcement (quarantine or reject) for BIMI to work, even with a VMC.
Email marketer from StackOverflow user TechGuru explains that DNS propagation delays can prevent the BIMI record from being immediately recognized. It may take up to 48 hours for the changes to fully propagate across the internet.
Email marketer from Mailhardener Blog explains that a common reason for BIMI logos not showing is incorrect DMARC configuration. The domain and subdomain both must be set to 'quarantine' or 'reject' in the DMARC policy.
Email marketer from Litmus Blog answers that even if DMARC is enabled, a policy of 'p=none' will not meet the BIMI requirements. A policy of 'p=quarantine' or 'p=reject' is mandatory for the domain and subdomains. Update the DMARC record for the root and subdomain to a stricter policy to ensure proper BIMI implementation.
Email marketer from Validity explains that BIMI relies on email authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, and DMARC). Ensure these are properly configured and passing checks, as failures can prevent BIMI from working correctly. They also suggest that BIMI requires a VMC.
What the experts say3Expert opinions
Expert from Spam Resource explains that ensuring proper DNS configuration for BIMI, including the correct TXT record and its placement, is crucial. Use online tools to validate the BIMI record's syntax and accessibility. If this is incorrect, you may encounter errors.
Expert from Word to the Wise responds that BIMI logos require a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC). They suggest checking if you have a valid VMC from an authorized certification authority. Without a VMC, Gmail will not display your BIMI logo.
Expert from Email Geeks suggests trying to correct the Google Account avatar image as a next step to fix the broken logo image.
What the documentation says5Technical articles
Documentation from Entrust specifies that the BIMI DNS TXT record must follow a specific format: `v=BIMI1; l=[URL to SVG logo]; a=[URL to VMC (optional)]`. Incorrect formatting will cause the BIMI record to be invalid.
Documentation from GlobalSign explains that the VMC needs to be issued in the same company name as the D-U-N-S number. Discrepancies with the company name may cause logo display issues.
Documentation from Red Sift explains that the URL in the BIMI record is case-sensitive. The correct case needs to be used. The syntax also needs to be checked in the DNS record.
Documentation from BIMI Group Website explains that a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is required for Gmail to display the BIMI logo. Without a VMC, Gmail will not show the logo, even if other BIMI records are correctly configured.
Documentation from DigiCert explains that the VMC must be issued by an authorized certification authority and must match the trademarked logo exactly. Any discrepancies will cause the logo to fail validation.