Summary
A broken BIMI logo in Gmail can be attributed to a variety of factors spanning from the need for a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) and accurate DMARC settings to the correct image format and DNS configuration. Google mandates a VMC for BIMI logos to appear in Gmail. Your root domain must be at enforcement (quarantine or reject) for BIMI to function, even with a VMC. The VMC should be issued by an authorized certification authority and match the trademarked logo. The logo must be hosted securely (HTTPS) and be publicly accessible. An SVG logo file needs to be in SVG Tiny Portable/Secure format. Proper DNS settings are key, including the correct TXT record format, and it's important to account for DNS propagation delays. Validation tools can identify record and logo issues. Strong email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is crucial, and DMARC must be set to 'quarantine' or 'reject' for both the domain and subdomains. Lastly, try correcting your Google Account avatar as a preliminary step.
Key findings
- VMC is Mandatory: A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is a prerequisite for BIMI logos in Gmail.
- DMARC Enforcement: Root domain DMARC policy must be at 'quarantine' or 'reject'.
- Secure Hosting: Logo image must be securely hosted over HTTPS.
- Correct SVG Format: Logo must be in the SVG Tiny Portable/Secure format.
- Valid DNS Configuration: Proper DNS TXT record is vital, and DNS propagation time must be considered.
- Strong Authentication: Robust email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is required.
Key considerations
- Acquire a VMC: Obtain a valid VMC from a recognized certification authority.
- Enforce DMARC: Set DMARC policy to 'quarantine' or 'reject' at the root domain.
- HTTPS Hosting Setup: Ensure the logo image is hosted on a secure server with a publicly accessible HTTPS URL.
- Format SVG Correctly: Convert the SVG logo to the SVG Tiny Portable/Secure format.
- DNS Propagation Wait: Allow sufficient time for DNS propagation after changes.
- Validate Implementation: Utilize BIMI preview tools to validate your implementation.
- Check Authentication: Verify that SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are correctly configured.
- Avatar Check: As a starting point, try correcting the Google Account avatar image.
What email marketers say
9 marketer opinions
BIMI logos not displaying correctly in Gmail can stem from several issues. A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is required by Gmail. DMARC configuration needs to be correctly set to 'quarantine' or 'reject' for both the domain and subdomains. The logo image must be hosted on a secure (HTTPS) server and be publicly accessible. The SVG logo must be in the SVG Tiny Portable/Secure format. DNS propagation delays can cause temporary issues. Validating the BIMI record and logo using preview tools can help identify errors. Proper configuration of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is essential for BIMI to function correctly.
Key opinions
- VMC Requirement: Gmail requires a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) for BIMI logos to display.
- DMARC Policy: DMARC policy must be set to 'quarantine' or 'reject' for both domain and subdomains.
- HTTPS Hosting: Logo image must be hosted on a secure (HTTPS) server and be publicly accessible.
- SVG Format: SVG logo must be in SVG Tiny Portable/Secure format.
- DNS Propagation: DNS propagation delays can temporarily prevent BIMI from working.
- Email Authentication: Proper configuration of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is essential for BIMI.
Key considerations
- VMC Acquisition: Obtain a valid Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) from a recognized certification authority.
- DMARC Configuration: Review and update DMARC policies to 'quarantine' or 'reject' for the entire organizational domain (root and subdomains).
- Image Hosting: Ensure the logo image is hosted on a secure server with a publicly accessible HTTPS URL.
- SVG Optimization: Convert the SVG logo to the SVG Tiny Portable/Secure format.
- DNS Validation: Allow sufficient time for DNS propagation after making changes to BIMI records.
- Testing and Validation: Utilize BIMI preview tools to validate the record and logo before implementation.
- Authentication Checks: Ensure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are correctly configured and passing authentication checks.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that Google requires a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) for the BIMI logo to be displayed in Gmail.
11 Jun 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
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.
13 Oct 2024 - EmailGeekForum
What the experts say
3 expert opinions
Troubleshooting a broken BIMI logo in Gmail involves several steps. First, ensure you have a valid Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) from an authorized certification authority, as Gmail requires it for BIMI logos to display. Proper DNS configuration, including the correct TXT record placement and syntax, is crucial; use online tools to validate your BIMI record. As an initial step, consider correcting the Google Account avatar image.
Key opinions
- VMC Requirement: BIMI logos require a valid Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) for Gmail to display them.
- DNS Configuration: Proper DNS configuration, including the correct TXT record placement and syntax, is essential for BIMI to function correctly.
- Avatar Image: Correcting the Google Account avatar image might resolve the issue as an initial step.
Key considerations
- VMC Validation: Verify that you have a valid VMC from an authorized certification authority.
- DNS Record Check: Validate the BIMI record's syntax and placement in DNS using online tools.
- Avatar Correction: Consider correcting the Google Account avatar image as a first step in troubleshooting.
Expert view
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.
26 Feb 2025 - Spam Resource
Expert view
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.
24 Oct 2023 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
A broken BIMI logo in Gmail is often caused by issues related to the Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) or the BIMI DNS record. Gmail requires a VMC for BIMI logos, and the VMC must be issued by an authorized authority, matching the trademarked logo exactly and issued under the same company name as the D-U-N-S number. The BIMI DNS TXT record must follow a specific format: `v=BIMI1; l=[URL to SVG logo]; a=[URL to VMC (optional)]`, and the URL within the record is case-sensitive. Incorrect formatting or discrepancies will cause the logo to fail validation.
Key findings
- VMC Requirement: Gmail requires a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) for BIMI logo display.
- VMC Issuance: VMC must be issued by an authorized certification authority, matching the trademarked logo exactly and under the same company name as the D-U-N-S number.
- DNS Record Format: BIMI DNS TXT record must follow the format: `v=BIMI1; l=[URL to SVG logo]; a=[URL to VMC (optional)]`.
- Case Sensitivity: The URL in the BIMI record is case-sensitive.
Key considerations
- Obtain VMC: Acquire a valid VMC from an authorized certification authority.
- Verify VMC Details: Ensure the VMC matches the trademarked logo exactly and is issued under the same company name as the D-U-N-S number.
- Check DNS Record Syntax: Confirm the BIMI DNS TXT record adheres to the correct format: `v=BIMI1; l=[URL to SVG logo]; a=[URL to VMC (optional)]`.
- Confirm URL Case: Verify the case sensitivity of the URL within the BIMI record.
Technical article
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.
16 Feb 2023 - Entrust
Technical article
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.
6 Dec 2023 - GlobalSign
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