Summary
The 'Mail From' address, also known as the Return-Path or envelope sender, is the destination for bounce messages and plays a crucial role in SPF authentication. It is a component of the SMTP protocol and a key part of DMARC authentication. Proper SPF configuration is essential, especially when using third-party services like Zendesk, ensuring that the service's sending servers are authorized. If SPF fails due to misalignment between the 'Mail From' and the 'Header From' domains, DKIM can still allow the email to pass DMARC if properly signed with your domain. For DMARC to pass, either SPF with the aligned 'Mail From' or DKIM must authenticate the email source. If both fail, delivery issues arise. Understanding these mechanisms is key to achieving and maintaining email deliverability.
Key findings
- Mail From Purpose: The 'Mail From' address is the destination for bounce messages and a key component of SPF.
- SPF and Third-Party Services: Properly configuring SPF is vital when using third-party email services like Zendesk, to authorize them to send on your behalf.
- DKIM as Backup: DKIM can serve as an alternative authentication method if SPF alignment fails, provided the email is properly signed with your domain.
- DMARC Requirement: DMARC requires either SPF with aligned 'Mail From' or DKIM authentication for email to pass.
- Zendesk Subdomain Reports: DMARC reports of Zendesk's subdomains may not be visible to the original domain owner if their DMARC policies aren't connected.
- Email Auth Defined: Email Auth is a collection of records and signatures that confirm emails come from your systems and have not been tampered with.
Key considerations
- SPF Configuration: Regularly review and update your SPF records to include all authorized sending sources, including third-party services.
- DKIM Implementation: Implement DKIM signing for added security and improved deliverability, especially when relying on third-party services or experiencing SPF alignment issues.
- DMARC Monitoring: Consistently monitor DMARC reports to identify and address any authentication issues and ensure optimal email deliverability.
- Authentication Strategy: Develop a comprehensive email authentication strategy to encompass all authentication methods and ensure that your emails are delivered to the intended recipients.
- DMARC Policy: Understand your DMARC Policy to prevent emails being rejected.
What email marketers say
11 marketer opinions
The 'Mail From' address, also known as the Return-Path, is a crucial component of email authentication, especially in the context of DMARC, SPF, and DKIM. It's the envelope sender address where bounce messages are sent and is primarily used for SPF checks. When using a third-party service like Zendesk, it's essential to ensure that the 'Mail From' domain is properly configured in your SPF record to authorize Zendesk's sending servers. If SPF fails due to misalignment between the 'Mail From' and 'Header From' domains, DKIM can still allow the email to pass DMARC if it's correctly signed with your domain. However, if both SPF and DKIM fail, the email is likely to be rejected by receiving mail servers. You generally wouldn't see DMARC reports for Zendesk's subdomain if you don't control its DMARC policy. Properly configuring DKIM is often recommended as a priority when SPF alignment is problematic. In essence, the 'Mail From' and its alignment with SPF and DKIM are vital for ensuring email deliverability and maintaining a positive sender reputation.
Key opinions
- Mail From Definition: The 'Mail From' or Return-Path is the envelope sender address used for bounce messages and SPF checks.
- SPF Alignment Importance: Properly configured SPF records are essential to authorize sending servers, like Zendesk, for your domain's 'Mail From' address.
- DKIM as an Alternative: DKIM can be used as an alternative authentication method when SPF alignment fails, provided it's correctly signed with your domain.
- DMARC Compliance: For DMARC to pass, either SPF alignment with the 'Mail From' or DKIM authentication must be successful.
- Zendesk Subdomain Reports: You typically won't see DMARC reports for Zendesk subdomains if you do not control their DMARC policy.
Key considerations
- SPF Configuration: Ensure your SPF record includes Zendesk's sending servers to authorize them to send emails on behalf of your domain.
- DKIM Setup: Prioritize setting up DKIM if you're experiencing issues with SPF alignment or if using a third-party service like Zendesk.
- Authentication Methods: Understand the relationship between the 'Mail From,' SPF, and DKIM and how they collectively contribute to DMARC compliance.
- Monitoring Reports: Regularly monitor your DMARC reports to identify and address any authentication issues that may impact email deliverability.
- Header From vs Mail From: The Mail From is the envelope sender where bounces go, the Header From is what the recipient sees, they should both be checked
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that emails fail SPF because the 'mail from' doesn't align with the 'header from'. However, if they are DKIM signed with the company's domain, DMARC will pass.
3 Oct 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks answers, if emails are passing DKIM, SPF alignment issues can be ignored. Also if failing both SPF and DKIM, to set up DKIM first.
17 Nov 2022 - Email Geeks
What the experts say
2 expert opinions
The 'Mail From' (also known as the Return-Path) is where bounce messages are sent and plays a critical role in SPF authentication. DMARC compliance requires either that the domain in the Return-Path aligns with the 'From' header (SPF alignment) or that the email passes DKIM authentication. Email authentication in general encompasses various records and signatures used by receiving mail systems to verify the email originated from the claimed source without tampering. Authentication processes are used to verify either the envelope ('Mail From') address or the message content itself.
Key opinions
- Mail From Importance: The 'Mail From' address is the destination for bounce messages and is crucial for SPF validation.
- DMARC Compliance: DMARC compliance can be achieved through either SPF alignment (matching the 'Mail From' domain with the 'From' header) or by passing DKIM authentication.
- Authentication Purpose: Email authentication methods verify the sender's identity and ensure the message hasn't been altered, using records and signatures.
- Verification Scope: Authentication can verify both the 'Mail From' address and the integrity of the email content.
Key considerations
- SPF Configuration: Ensure proper SPF configuration to authorize sending sources and align the 'Mail From' domain.
- DKIM Implementation: Implement DKIM signing to provide an alternative authentication method and enhance email security.
- Overall Authentication Strategy: Develop a comprehensive email authentication strategy that includes SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to improve deliverability and protect your domain's reputation.
- Regular Monitoring: Continuously monitor email authentication results and adjust configurations as needed to maintain optimal performance.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that Email authentication is a collection of records and signatures used by receiving mail systems to verify that the messages they receive did, in fact, originate from your systems and haven’t been tampered with en route. Authentication can be used to verify the envelope (MAIL FROM) address, or the message itself.
30 Nov 2021 - Word to the Wise
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource explains that the Return-Path, or Mail From, is the address to which bounce messages are sent. It's critical for SPF authentication. To ensure DMARC compliance, either the domain in the Return-Path must align with the From: header (SPF alignment) or the email must pass DKIM authentication.
4 Aug 2023 - Spam Resource
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
The 'Mail From' domain, also known as the envelope sender or Return-Path, is the address where bounce messages are sent and is crucial for SPF checks. It's defined in the SMTP protocol and is a key component of DMARC authentication. DKIM adds a digital signature to outgoing emails, allowing recipient servers to verify the email's origin and integrity, which is especially important when using services like Zendesk. SPF alignment refers to whether the 'Mail From' domain matches the 'From' header; DMARC requires either SPF or DKIM alignment for an email to pass authentication.
Key findings
- Mail From Definition: The 'Mail From' domain is the envelope sender address used for bounces and SPF checks.
- DKIM Functionality: DKIM provides a digital signature to verify email origin and integrity.
- SPF Alignment: SPF alignment involves matching the 'Mail From' domain with the 'From' header.
- DMARC Requirement: DMARC requires either SPF or DKIM to align for successful email authentication.
- Third Party Services: Using third-party services requires that the third-party is authorised in SPF or DKIM to send on your behalf.
Key considerations
- SPF Configuration: Ensure your SPF record properly authorizes the sending servers for your domain.
- DKIM Implementation: Implement DKIM signing to improve email deliverability and pass DMARC checks, especially when using Zendesk.
- DMARC Policy: Understand and configure your DMARC policy to specify how receiving servers should handle emails that fail authentication.
- Monitoring and Maintenance: Regularly monitor your email authentication results and adjust your configurations as needed.
Technical article
Documentation from Microsoft explains that the Mail From helps with verifying the sender. To use a third party to send email using your custom domain, your domain must pass sender ID checks like SPF. Therefore, you may need to add the sending service to your SPF record.
7 Apr 2022 - Microsoft Documentation
Technical article
Documentation from RFC specification explains that the 'Mail From' is defined as part of the SMTP protocol and is used to specify the return path for error messages. This address is often used for SPF checks and is a key component in DMARC authentication.
25 Aug 2022 - RFC Specification
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