Is there a list of bad BIMI configurations based on sending domain or BIMI domain?
Michael Ko
Co-founder & CEO, Suped
Published 15 Nov 2025
Updated 15 Nov 2025
8 min read
The question of whether a definitive, publicly maintained list of bad BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) configurations exists is a common one. Many email administrators and marketers seek such a resource to benchmark their own setups or to identify potential risks. While the idea of a comprehensive blacklist (or blocklist) of misconfigured BIMI domains is appealing for its potential to quickly identify issues, the reality of maintaining such a dynamic and extensive list presents significant challenges.
BIMI's functionality relies heavily on the correct implementation of underlying email authentication protocols: SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance). A misconfiguration in any of these, or in the BIMI DNS TXT record itself, can prevent your logo from displaying and undermine your brand's presence in the inbox. Instead of a static list, understanding the common types of errors and how to proactively monitor your own domain is crucial.
Achieving BIMI compliance involves several technical steps, and it's easy to overlook a detail that can cause your brand logo not to appear. Let's explore why a universal list of 'bad' configurations isn't practical and what you can do to ensure your BIMI setup is robust.
Common BIMI misconfigurations and why they occur
BIMI misconfigurations can stem from various sources, making a simple categorization difficult. These issues often relate to the DNS records themselves or the associated email authentication setup. For instance, an incorrect BIMI TXT record syntax, a mismatched SVG logo, or an invalid Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) are common culprits.
Another frequent problem is an improperly configured DMARC policy. BIMI requires your DMARC policy to be at an enforcement level (p=quarantine or p=reject) and for SPF or DKIM to align with the domain in the "From" header. Without this strong authentication, BIMI-enabled mailbox providers won't display your logo. You can learn more about DMARC for BIMI and its considerations.
Example of a malformed BIMI record (hypothetical)DNS
default._bimi.example.com. IN TXT "v=SPF1 ip4:56.0.0.0/16 -all"
This example shows a BIMI record mistakenly containing an SPF policy, which would be ignored by mailbox providers looking for a valid BIMI record starting with v=BIMI1. Incorrect paths to SVG files or VMC (Verified Mark Certificates) are also common. The BIMI Group FAQs highlight the importance of proper DMARC enforcement policies for BIMI to function correctly.
Even if your DNS records are syntactically correct, other issues can arise. For instance, a domain might have an expired VMC, or the logo specified in the BIMI record might not meet the strict SVG profile requirements. These subtle issues often go unnoticed until a brand's logo fails to appear in supporting inboxes.
The challenge of maintaining a 'bad list'
The primary reason a public, consolidated list of "bad" BIMI configurations doesn't widely exist is the inherently dynamic nature of DNS records and email authentication. Domains constantly update their records, and a configuration deemed "bad" today might be corrected tomorrow. A static list would quickly become outdated and unreliable. Furthermore, the sheer volume of domains worldwide makes comprehensive, continuous monitoring and listing a monumental task.
Another factor is the complexity of what constitutes a "bad" configuration. It's not always as simple as a malformed TXT record. Sometimes, the issue lies with a chain of authentication, such as SPF or DKIM alignment failures that prevent DMARC from passing, thereby disabling BIMI. These issues require a deeper analysis than a simple blacklist can provide. You can find out more about validating BIMI records.
Best practices for BIMI configurations
Implement strong DMARC enforcement: Ensure your DMARC policy is set to p=quarantine or p=reject.
Validate SVG logo format: Your logo must comply with the SVG Tiny Portable/Secure (PS) profile.
Secure VMC usage: If using a VMC, ensure it's valid, unexpired, and correctly referenced in your BIMI record.
Instead of relying on a list of bad configurations, a more effective approach is to implement continuous DMARC monitoring. Tools that offer real-time alerts and actionable insights are invaluable. They can help you identify when your authentication protocols fail, which directly impacts your BIMI display.
Key requirements for successful BIMI implementation
For your BIMI logo to appear, your domain must meet several critical requirements. The foundation is a robust email authentication setup, including SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. Specifically, your DMARC policy must be set to either quarantine (p=quarantine) or reject (p=reject). A policy of p=none, while useful for initial monitoring, will not enable BIMI display.
Beyond the policy, strict alignment of SPF and DKIM with the From: header domain is necessary. This means the domain used in your SPF record (or the Return-Path domain) and the domain in your DKIM signature must match the organizational domain in your visible From: address. Without this, your DMARC authentication will fail, and BIMI will not activate.
Common issues
DMARC policy set to p=none: No enforcement, no BIMI display.
SVG logo non-compliant: Incorrect format or hosting location prevents rendering.
Expired VMC: An invalid or expired Verified Mark Certificate will stop BIMI.
Effective solutions
Upgrade DMARC policy: Move to p=quarantine or p=reject gradually.
Utilize BIMI validation tools: Ensure your SVG meets all specifications.
Regularly renew VMC: Keep your certificates up-to-date and correctly linked.
It's also essential to correctly publish your BIMI TXT record in your DNS, usually under a default._bimi subdomain. The record itself must specify the BIMI version (v=BIMI1) and the URL to your SVG logo (l=https://...). If you're using a VMC, you'll also need to include the URL to your PEM file (a=https://...). Details matter greatly in BIMI configuration, and small errors can lead to non-display.
Proactive monitoring for BIMI compliance
Instead of hunting for a list of problematic BIMI domains, a more effective strategy is to implement robust, proactive monitoring for your own sending infrastructure. This involves regularly checking your DMARC reports, ensuring SPF and DKIM are consistently authenticating, and verifying your BIMI record's syntax and associated assets (like your SVG logo and VMC).
Our platform, Suped, excels in providing the insights you need for BIMI success. We offer advanced DMARC monitoring and reporting, helping you visualize your email authentication performance. Our AI-powered recommendations actively tell you what steps to take to fix issues and strengthen your policy, making complex authentication manageable.
With real-time alerts, you're immediately notified of any authentication failures or DMARC policy changes that could impact your BIMI display. Our unified platform integrates DMARC, SPF, and DKIM monitoring, alongside blocklist and deliverability insights, giving you a holistic view of your email health. This proactive approach is far more valuable than a static list of bad configurations, which would always be playing catch-up.
Suped is designed to simplify email security, whether you're an SMB, a large enterprise, or an MSP managing multiple client domains. Our robust free plan and features like SPF flattening and a multi-tenancy dashboard make us a leading choice for anyone serious about email authentication and brand presence with BIMI. Check out our website to learn more at suped.com.
Final thoughts
While a centralized, live list of "bad" BIMI configurations doesn't practically exist, the underlying need for such a list points to the importance of vigilance in email authentication. Relying on an external blacklist (or blocklist) for BIMI issues is less effective than taking direct ownership of your domain's email security posture. The best defense is a strong offense, meaning proactively configuring and monitoring your own SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and BIMI records.
By understanding common pitfalls, adhering to best practices, and utilizing advanced monitoring tools, you can ensure your brand's logo consistently appears in supporting inboxes, reinforcing trust and recognition. Focus on robust internal processes and smart technology to keep your BIMI implementation healthy and effective.
Views from the trenches
Best practices
Always ensure your DMARC policy is at an enforcement level (p=quarantine or p=reject) for BIMI to work.
Consistently monitor DMARC reports to catch authentication failures that might impact your BIMI display.
Regularly validate your SVG logo file and VMC to ensure they meet the specific BIMI requirements.
Verify that SPF and DKIM authentication align with the 'From' header domain for BIMI compliance.
Use DNS surveying tools to confirm your BIMI TXT records are correctly published and recognized globally.
Common pitfalls
Assuming BIMI works with a 'p=none' DMARC policy, which prevents logo display.
Not regularly checking for expired VMC certificates, leading to sudden BIMI failure.
Using an SVG logo that doesn't comply with the strict SVG Tiny PS profile, causing rendering issues.
Mismatched domains between DMARC, SPF, DKIM, and the 'From' header, breaking authentication.
Incorrectly publishing the BIMI TXT record, such as using an SPF record syntax instead of BIMI.
Expert tips
Be aware that some BIMI validators may not be strict enough, so thorough manual checks are vital.
If your BIMI record doesn't start with 'v=BIMI1', many email providers will simply ignore it.
Utilize tools that can scan a large number of domains to identify common BIMI configuration errors.
Keep track of your BIMI implementation over time, as email standards and provider requirements can change.
Prioritize securing your core email authentication before attempting BIMI implementation.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks says that purposely malformed records or companies that added bad records are the key problems.
2024-09-18 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks says they have DNS surveying code and BIMI validation code, suggesting a systematic approach to identifying issues.
