What to do when Microsoft's SNDS IP review auto-reply is received?

Key findings

• Initial automation: The auto-reply serves as an acknowledgement that your submission has been received by Microsoft's ticketing system, providing a ticket number for reference. It typically includes the IP address under review.
• Unattended mailbox: The explicit instruction Please do not reply to this message as it is from an unattended mailbox is a crucial instruction. Replying to this specific email will not facilitate a faster resolution or provide additional information.
• Human follow-up: A human-reviewed response is typically sent separately, usually within 24 to 48 hours, detailing the outcome of the IP review or requesting more information. This is the email you should monitor for and respond to if needed.
• Issue resolution: Sometimes, issues resolve on their own even before a human response is received, indicating an automated system may have already delisted the IP based on real-time reputation changes.
• Persistence advised: If no human response is received within 48 hours, resubmitting the contact form may be necessary. This is especially true for more complex deliverability issues where initial automated checks might not suffice.

Key considerations

• Monitor actively: While awaiting a human response, continue monitoring your Microsoft SNDS data for any changes in your IP status. The system might update before you get an email confirmation.
• Patience is key: Understand that Microsoft's support process for IP reviews involves both automated and manual steps. The initial auto-reply is just the first automated step in this process. For general insight into Microsoft's processes, see Mailgun's guide to SNDS.
• Authentication check: Ensure your sending infrastructure adheres to Microsoft's new sender requirements, including proper SPF, DKIM, and DMARC configuration, as these are critical factors in deliverability.
• Identify root causes: Before submitting, ensure you have addressed the underlying reasons for the IP block, such as managing bounces effectively, to prevent recurring issues.

Key opinions

• Standard procedure: Many marketers report sporadically receiving these auto-responses, indicating they are a standard, albeit sometimes confusing, part of Microsoft's system.
• Wait for human contact: The consensus among experienced marketers is to await a non-bot generated follow-up email, as this is the message intended for replies and further communication regarding the IP review.
• Patience rewarded: Despite the initial 'do not reply' message, a human response often follows within 24 to 48 hours, confirming the initial auto-reply serves as a preliminary acknowledgment.
• Self-resolution: Sometimes, the deliverability issue resolves itself before any human response is received, suggesting internal automated processes at Microsoft are active.

Key considerations

• Resubmission strategy: If no human follow-up is received within 48 hours, some marketers recommend resubmitting the contact form to re-initiate the process.
• Understand the message flow: The initial auto-reply confirms the ticketing system has logged the request and assigned a number, serving as an initial step before a human review. This is outlined in articles discussing Microsoft's sender requirements.
• Avoid no-reply addresses: Ensure your own sender practices align with Microsoft's expectations, particularly for the sender address used in your support requests.

Key opinions

• Standard automation: Experts confirm that the auto-reply is simply a confirmation that your request has entered Microsoft's system and a ticket number has been assigned.
• Await human review: The critical step is to wait for the actual human-generated response, which will contain specific information about your IP status and potential remediation steps.
• System efficiency: Microsoft's systems are designed to eventually provide a human response or automatically resolve issues if reputation improves, reducing the need for constant follow-ups to the auto-reply.
• No reply means no progress: Directly replying to the do not reply address is unproductive and does not escalate your case.

Key considerations

• Reputation is key: Focus on improving your sender reputation by ensuring clean lists, low complaint rates, and proper authentication. This proactive approach often leads to faster resolution if you get on a blocklist. You can monitor your sender reputation in SNDS data.
• Authentication standards: Ensure your SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are correctly configured and aligned with Microsoft's latest requirements. Proper authentication is a prerequisite for good deliverability. For more info on this, see how to fix DKIM temporary error rates with Microsoft.
• Understand the process: An expert from SpamResource.com notes that understanding how different email blacklists and blocklists operate is crucial for effective remediation, even if you are just dealing with an internal blocklist like Microsoft's.
• Preemptive measures: Proactively addressing bounce management errors and other factors that led to the IP block is more impactful than merely requesting delisting.

Key findings

• SNDS registration: Documentation often instructs senders to register their IPs in SNDS to access data and initiate reviews, implying that all support requests are tied to this system.
• IP status checks: Guides on SNDS usage detail how to check IP status, suggesting that the system itself provides real-time updates even before direct communication.
• Required sender practices: Microsoft's public sender guidelines highlight the necessity of proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and maintaining good sending hygiene. Issues often stem from non-compliance with these.
• Non-response from unattended mailboxes: While not directly about this auto-reply, general support documentation for any major service advises against replying to automated 'do not reply' emails.

Key considerations

• Accurate submission: Ensure that the IP address or range submitted for review is accurate, as noted in the auto-reply, to avoid delays or rejection of the request.
• Review sender guidelines: Consult Microsoft's official sender policies and guidelines before and after submitting a review request. These documents are periodically updated, as demonstrated by the May 2025 deliverability changes.
• Leverage SNDS data: The SNDS portal provides detailed insights into your sending reputation and blocklisting status. Utilize this data to understand the underlying issue rather than relying solely on support replies.