Summary
The consistent reason cited for a 0% SPF success rate in Google Postmaster Tools despite passing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is SPF alignment failure. This occurs when the domain used for SPF authentication (the 'Return-Path' or 'MAIL FROM') does not match the domain in the 'From' header. Google Postmaster Tools emphasizes DMARC alignment; therefore, if the domains are misaligned, Postmaster Tools reports SPF as failing, regardless of a valid SPF record. DMARC alignment is crucial for deliverability and compliance, as it requires the authenticating domain to match the domain presented to the user. Some legacy systems may still check the 'From' domain, but the alignment between 'Return-Path' and 'From' is the key factor for DMARC.
Key findings
- SPF Alignment Failure: 0% SPF success rate is primarily due to a failure in SPF alignment, not SPF authentication.
- Domain Mismatch: The domain in the 'Return-Path' or 'MAIL FROM' must match the domain in the 'From' header for successful SPF alignment.
- DMARC Emphasis: Google Postmaster Tools emphasizes DMARC alignment; misalignment results in a 0% SPF success rate.
- Deliverability Impact: Incorrect SPF alignment can lead to deliverability issues despite passing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC checks.
- Legacy SPF Checks: Legacy systems might still check SPF on the 'From' domain, but current standards focus on 'Return-Path' alignment.
Key considerations
- Verify Domain Alignment: Ensure the domain in the 'Return-Path' or 'MAIL FROM' is identical to or a subdomain of the domain in the 'From' header.
- Monitor DMARC Reports: Regularly monitor DMARC reports to identify and resolve alignment issues.
- Check SPF Configuration: Verify your SPF configuration to confirm that the correct domains and IPs are authorized to send email on behalf of your domain.
- Implement SPF Alignment: Implement SPF alignment strategies to ensure DMARC compliance and improve email deliverability rates.
- Check Which Domain Is Being Evaluated: It's crucial to check which domain is being evaluated during the SPF check and ensure it aligns with your DMARC policy.
What email marketers say
18 marketer opinions
The 0% SPF success rate in Google Postmaster Tools, despite passing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, primarily indicates an SPF alignment issue. SPF alignment requires the domain in the 'Return-Path' or 'MAIL FROM' address to match the domain in the 'From' header. If these domains are misaligned, even with valid SPF records, Postmaster Tools will report a 0% success rate. This misalignment can lead to deliverability issues and DMARC failures, as DMARC relies on proper alignment for authentication. Some legacy systems and filters may still check SPF on the visible From domain, making some SPF records useful, though alignment is the main consideration for modern email authentication.
Key opinions
- SPF Alignment: The primary reason for 0% SPF success despite passing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is a failure in SPF alignment.
- Domain Mismatch: SPF alignment issues arise when the domain in the 'Return-Path' (or 'MAIL FROM') doesn't match the domain in the 'From' header.
- DMARC Dependence: DMARC relies on proper SPF alignment to authenticate emails. Misalignment can lead to DMARC failures and impact deliverability.
- Return-Path Importance: Many email providers prioritize the 'Return-Path' domain for SPF checks, making its alignment crucial.
- Visible From (Legacy): Some legacy systems may still validate visible 'From' domain, meaning it can still be beneficial, though it isn't required.
Key considerations
- Verify Alignment: Ensure the domain in your 'Return-Path' (or 'MAIL FROM') matches the domain in your 'From' header to achieve SPF alignment.
- Monitor DMARC Reports: Regularly check DMARC reports to identify authentication failures and alignment issues affecting your email deliverability.
- Check Sending Practices: Review your email sending practices to ensure consistency in domain usage across 'Return-Path' and 'From' headers.
- Implement SPF Alignment: Implement SPF alignment to avoid DMARC authentication failures and to improve email deliverability rates.
- Check SPF Records: Make sure that the SPF record contains the appropriate domains and IP addresses that are responsible for sending email on behalf of your domain.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Mailchimp shares that the the domain in your Return-Path record does not match the domain in your From record, then your emails may fail SPF alignment, or have deliverability issues. Alignment is crucial for passing DMARC.
21 Sep 2021 - Mailchimp
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks shares that it sounds like the SPF might be using a different domain, even if it is a subdomain.
14 Feb 2025 - Email Geeks
What the experts say
2 expert opinions
A 0% SPF success rate in Google Postmaster Tools, even when SPF, DKIM, and DMARC pass, often points to a domain alignment issue. The receiving server may be evaluating SPF against a different domain than expected, highlighting the importance of DMARC alignment. DMARC alignment hinges on the email header's domain matching the domain authorized through SPF or DKIM. Monitoring DMARC reports is crucial to understand authentication rates and alignment outcomes.
Key opinions
- SPF Domain Check: Receiving servers may be checking SPF against a different domain than expected.
- DMARC Alignment: Google Postmaster Tools shows 0% SPF success if emails don't align with DMARC.
- Domain Matching: DMARC alignment depends on the header domain matching the domain authorized by SPF or DKIM.
Key considerations
- Check Domain Evaluation: Verify which domain is being evaluated during the SPF check.
- Review DMARC Policy: Ensure SPF checks align with your DMARC policy.
- Monitor DMARC Reports: Use DMARC reports to get a clear picture of authentication rates and alignment results.
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource explains that a 0% SPF success rate, despite SPF passing, often means the receiving server is checking SPF against a different domain than what you expect. It's crucial to check which domain is being evaluated during the SPF check and ensure it aligns with your DMARC policy.
27 May 2022 - Spam Resource
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains Google Postmaster tools shows 0% if the emails don't align with DMARC. DMARC alignment depends on the domain in the header matching the domain which authorized the email through SPF or DKIM. Check your DMARC reports to get a clear picture of your authentication rates, including SPF, DKIM, and alignment results.
7 Jun 2023 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
Google Postmaster Tools reports SPF success based on alignment, not just authentication. Alignment requires the 'Return-Path' domain to match the 'From' header domain. Even if SPF passes, a mismatch causes a 0% success rate, impacting deliverability and potentially leading to DMARC policy rejections. Ensuring the 'Return-Path' domain matches or is a subdomain of the 'From' domain is crucial for proper SPF alignment and DMARC compliance.
Key findings
- Alignment Focus: Postmaster Tools prioritizes SPF alignment over basic SPF authentication.
- Domain Matching: SPF alignment mandates the 'Return-Path' domain matches the 'From' header domain.
- DMARC Reliance: DMARC depends on SPF alignment; misalignment can result in DMARC policy failures.
- Deliverability Impact: SPF misalignment can negatively affect email deliverability.
Key considerations
- Verify Domain Match: Ensure the 'Return-Path' domain is identical to or a subdomain of the 'From' header domain.
- DMARC Compliance: Implement correct SPF alignment to comply with DMARC policies.
- Review SPF Configuration: Regularly check SPF records to confirm proper setup and avoid domain mismatches.
Technical article
Documentation from RFC explains the Sender Policy Framework. The SPF authentication result is only part of the equation, DMARC focuses heavily on the alignment of the domain used to authenticate (SPF or DKIM) and the domain presented to the user in the From: header. If alignment fails, even with a passing SPF record, a DMARC policy might still reject the email.
23 May 2025 - RFC4408
Technical article
Documentation from AuthSMTP states that even if your SPF record is valid, you may see SPF failures in reports if the sending domain in the Return-Path doesn't match the domain in the From: header. To ensure SPF passes correctly and aligns with DMARC, the Return-Path domain must match your From: domain, or be a subdomain of it.
25 Jul 2024 - AuthSMTP
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