Summary
Using a DMARC policy of p=none is widely recommended as an initial monitoring phase. It allows domain owners to collect data on email traffic, identify sending sources (including third-party services), and pinpoint authentication issues without impacting email deliverability. DMARC reports generated through this policy provide valuable insights for configuring SPF and DKIM records, preparing for stricter DMARC enforcement, and preventing the accidental blocking of legitimate emails. Some incorrectly believe 'p=none' guarantees inbox placement, or that it's the same as not having DMARC; however, its true value lies in providing visibility before enforcing stricter policies.
Key findings
- Monitoring Focus: p=none is primarily for monitoring email traffic and gathering data on authentication status.
- No Delivery Impact: Emails are delivered regardless of DMARC authentication status.
- Identifies Senders: It helps identify sending sources, including third-party services, and potential spoofing attempts.
- Authentication Failures: It provides insights into authentication failures and areas for improvement in SPF and DKIM configurations.
Key considerations
- Initial Stage: p=none should be used as an initial step before implementing stricter DMARC policies (quarantine or reject).
- Review Reports: Regularly review DMARC reports to identify issues and optimize email authentication settings.
- Proper Configuration: Ensure legitimate sending sources are properly configured with SPF and DKIM before transitioning to a stricter policy.
- Misconceptions: Understand that p=none does not guarantee inbox placement and is not the same as having no DMARC policy.
What email marketers say
9 marketer opinions
A DMARC policy of p=none is primarily used for monitoring email traffic and gathering data on authentication status without impacting email delivery. It allows domain owners to identify sending sources, detect authentication failures, and ensure legitimate services are properly configured with SPF and DKIM before implementing stricter DMARC policies. While some perceive it as being the same as having no DMARC policy, its main value lies in providing visibility and insights into email streams.
Key opinions
- Monitoring Focus: The primary purpose of p=none is to monitor email traffic and gather data on authentication results.
- No Impact on Delivery: p=none does not affect email delivery; all emails, regardless of DMARC status, are delivered.
- Insight into Senders: It provides insights into who is sending emails on behalf of your domain, including third-party services.
- Authentication Issues: It helps identify authentication failures and potential spoofing or unauthorized senders.
Key considerations
- Not a Final Solution: p=none should be considered a temporary state for monitoring, not a permanent solution.
- Reviewing Reports: Regularly review DMARC reports to identify issues and make informed decisions about stricter policies.
- Configuration: Ensure all legitimate sending sources are properly configured with SPF and DKIM before moving to a stricter policy to avoid blocking legitimate emails.
- Misconceptions: Be aware that some mistakenly believe p=none guarantees inbox placement, which is incorrect.
Marketer view
Email marketer from StackOverflow explains that the main reason to use p=none is for monitoring. You get reports showing which IPs are sending mail using your domain, and how many are failing DMARC. You use this info to adjust your SPF and DKIM settings before enforcing DMARC.
13 May 2023 - StackOverflow
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks agrees with starting with a DMARC policy of 'None' based on his readings and webinars.
25 Oct 2023 - Email Geeks
What the experts say
4 expert opinions
Using a DMARC policy of 'p=none' is primarily recommended as an initial step for monitoring email traffic. It allows domain owners to gather data about email authentication failures and identify legitimate sending sources that may not be properly configured, all without impacting email deliverability. It is important to enable RUA data when using 'p=none'. Starting with 'p=none' avoids the risk of losing legitimate mail early on.
Key opinions
- Monitoring Focus: 'p=none' is primarily for monitoring email traffic and identifying authentication issues.
- No Impact on Delivery: It does not affect email delivery; all emails are delivered regardless of DMARC status.
- Identifies Sending Sources: It helps identify both known and unknown sources sending emails on behalf of your domain.
- RUA Data is Important: RUA reporting provides data about authentication outcomes and potential issues.
Key considerations
- Initial Step: It is best used as an initial step before enforcing stricter DMARC policies.
- Configuration: Allows time to configure legitimate sending sources without risking loss of email delivery.
- Avoid Early Enforcement: Enforcing DMARC too early can lead to the unintended blocking of legitimate emails.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise shares that using p=none allows you to see how your email is being handled without causing deliverability problems. It is also an important tool to help you find places that send mail you don’t know about. It can also help you find authentication problems in your known sending sources.
23 Jun 2024 - Word to the Wise
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks explains that starting with a DMARC policy of 'None' is advisable, as enforcing it too early can risk losing mail.
10 Apr 2025 - Email Geeks
What the documentation says
3 technical articles
Setting a DMARC policy to p=none is primarily for monitoring and reporting purposes, as confirmed by documentation from Google, Microsoft, and DMARC.org. It allows for the collection of DMARC reports without affecting email delivery, providing visibility into email streams and enabling identification of sending sources and authentication issues. It's a recommended first step before implementing stricter DMARC policies.
Key findings
- Monitoring: p=none is primarily used for monitoring DMARC reports.
- No Delivery Impact: Emails are delivered regardless of DMARC status.
- Visibility: It provides visibility into email sources and authentication failures.
Key considerations
- Review Reports: Regularly review DMARC reports to identify sending sources and authentication issues.
- RUA Tag: Ensure the DMARC record's RUA tag is properly configured to receive reports.
- First Step: It is a recommended initial step before moving to stricter policies.
Technical article
Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains that setting a DMARC policy to p=none allows you to monitor DMARC reports without impacting email delivery. It advises regularly reviewing these reports to identify sending sources and authentication issues before moving to a stricter policy.
31 Mar 2023 - Google Workspace Admin Help
Technical article
Documentation from DMARC.org explains that a DMARC policy of p=none means 'take no action' regarding emails that fail DMARC authentication. It's primarily used for gaining visibility into email streams and assessing the impact of moving to stricter policies.
29 Jan 2025 - DMARC.org
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