How to solve return-path issues when sending from multiple domains in Google Workspace?
Michael Ko
Co-founder & CEO, Suped
Published 21 Jul 2025
Updated 16 Aug 2025
6 min read
Sending emails from multiple domains in Google Workspace is a common practice for many businesses managing various brands or departments. While it offers flexibility, a frequent challenge arises with the 'Return-Path' header. Users often notice that even when sending from an alias domain, the return-path (or MailFrom address) consistently points back to the primary domain of their Google Workspace account. This discrepancy can lead to concerns about email deliverability and compliance.
The perception that these emails are 'non-compliant' often stems from a misunderstanding of how email authentication protocols like SPF and DMARC interact, especially within Google's specific sending architecture. It is a common query in the email community to understand why this happens and how it impacts whether emails reach the inbox.
Understanding the return-path and SPF alignment
The return-path, also known as the envelope sender or MailFrom address, is a crucial component in email delivery. It specifies where bounces and other mailer-daemon messages should be sent. Beyond just handling non-delivery reports, the return-path plays a vital role in Sender Policy Framework (SPF) authentication. SPF checks if the sending IP address is authorized to send mail on behalf of the domain specified in the return-path.
Google Workspace's design dictates that the return-path for all outgoing mail, regardless of the From address used, will typically be that of the primary domain associated with the Google Workspace account. This means if a user has user@primarydomain.com as their primary and sends an email as user@aliasdomain.com, the return-path will still show the primary domain. This inherent behavior can lead to SPF alignment issues if the alias domain's SPF record doesn't account for Google's sending IPs, or if a receiving server strictly checks SPF alignment against the From domain.
Such SPF misalignment, where the From domain differs from the return-path domain, is expected within Google Workspace's email handling for alias domains. The primary concern usually arises when this setup interacts with DMARC policies. You can learn more about how SPF alignment interacts with DMARC in Google Workspace from this article.
DMARC and DKIM: the actual solution
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) is the key protocol that ensures your emails are authenticated and delivered reliably. For a DMARC check to pass, either SPF or DKIM must align with the From domain. This is where the solution lies for Google Workspace users sending from multiple domains.
While Google Workspace's return-path behavior can cause SPF to be unaligned with the From address when using an alias domain, Google typically ensures that emails sent from both primary and alias domains are signed with a valid DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) signature. Crucially, Google's DKIM signature usually aligns with the From domain, meaning the DKIM authentication passes even if SPF fails.
Therefore, even with a return-path pointing to the primary domain, your emails can still pass DMARC as long as DKIM is correctly configured for your alias domain and the From address. This behavior is considered a perfectly legitimate sending setup. For deeper insights into this, refer to our guide on how Google Workspace handles DMARC alignment for multiple domains.
Google Workspace default behavior
Google Workspace sends all emails using its own infrastructure, which means the return-path is fixed to the primary domain.
SPF alignment: SPF typically fails alignment because the return-path domain (primary) does not match the From domain (alias).
DKIM alignment: Google signs emails using the From domain. DKIM usually aligns and passes, satisfying DMARC requirements.
Using an external SMTP relay
Configure Gmail in Workspace to send via a non-Google SMTP server. This gives more control over the envelope sender.
SPF alignment: If the external SMTP service allows, the return-path can be configured to match the From domain, achieving SPF alignment.
DKIM alignment: The external SMTP service will handle DKIM signing. Ensure it is configured to align with your From domain for DMARC pass.
Practical steps for configuration
The primary approach to ensure compliance and deliverability when sending from multiple domains in Google Workspace is to focus on your DMARC and DKIM setup. Even if SPF alignment is not achieved due to the return-path behavior, a properly configured DKIM record will often ensure your emails pass DMARC, leading to successful delivery.
Key action for DMARC success
Verify your DKIM configuration. Google Workspace typically handles DKIM signing automatically for your domains. Ensure that the DKIM record is correctly published in your DNS for all sending domains, including your primary and alias domains. The crucial part is that the DKIM 'd=' tag (signing domain) aligns with your From address domain.
Here's an example of a DMARC record that should be in your DNS, assuming you have DKIM set up correctly:
If strict SPF alignment for the alias domain is a non-negotiable requirement for your specific use case, and DKIM alignment is not sufficient, consider setting up an external SMTP relay for the alias domain. This involves configuring your Google Workspace to send outgoing mail for that specific alias through a third-party email service provider. This approach allows the external service to control the return-path, enabling SPF alignment for the alias domain. However, this adds complexity and potentially additional costs.
Monitoring and maintaining deliverability
Ongoing monitoring is essential to ensure your email deliverability remains strong. Regularly check your DMARC reports. These reports provide invaluable insights into your email authentication results, showing whether your SPF and DKIM are passing, failing, or passing in alignment. Pay close attention to your DKIM alignment rates for messages sent from both your primary and alias domains.
Additionally, utilize tools like Google Postmaster Tools to monitor your domain's reputation and identify any potential issues that could lead to emails being sent to spam or even being blocked (or blacklisted). A good sender reputation is critical for successful inbox placement, and understanding your authentication results is a key part of maintaining it. If you find your domain listed on any blocklist, use a blocklist checker to address it promptly.
Key takeaways for multi-domain sending
While the return-path behavior in Google Workspace for multiple domains might initially appear to cause compliance issues due to SPF misalignment, it is typically not a problem if your DKIM records are correctly configured and aligned. DMARC's design allows for either SPF or DKIM alignment to pass, and Google's strong DKIM implementation usually covers this gap.
The key to successful email deliverability when sending from multiple domains in Google Workspace is understanding these authentication nuances and prioritizing robust DKIM configuration. By doing so, you can ensure your emails are authenticated and reach their intended recipients without facing unnecessary blocklisting or spam folder placement.
Views from the trenches
Best practices
Ensure DKIM is enabled and properly configured for all your domains within Google Workspace, including alias domains.
Regularly review your DMARC reports to confirm DKIM alignment and identify any authentication failures.
Utilize Google Postmaster Tools to proactively monitor the reputation of all your sending domains.
If using external SMTP for an alias domain, ensure its return-path matches the 'From' domain for SPF alignment.
Common pitfalls
Mistaking SPF misalignment due to Google's return-path behavior as a critical DMARC failure.
Failing to enable or correctly configure DKIM for alias domains, leading to actual DMARC failures.
Overlooking DMARC reports, thus missing vital information on authentication outcomes.
Assuming SPF alignment is the only factor for DMARC success, ignoring DKIM's role.
Expert tips
Google's default sending setup for alias domains is legitimate, provided DKIM is correctly aligned.
DKIM alignment with the 'From' domain is usually sufficient for DMARC to pass, even if SPF isn't aligned.
For specific cases requiring SPF alignment for alias domains, consider routing mail through a third-party SMTP server.
Consistently monitoring DMARC reports and sender reputation metrics is crucial for long-term deliverability.
Expert view
An expert from Email Geeks mentioned that Google will always use the primary address as the return-path and there is no way to customize it.
2023-02-16 - Email Geeks
Expert view
An expert from Email Geeks clarified that in the context of DMARC, if DKIM is aligned and passing, then an SPF misalignment will not cause issues.
Google Workspace is a common practice for many businesses managing various brands or departments. While it offers flexibility, a frequent challenge arises with the 'Return-Path' header. Users often notice that even when sending from an alias domain, the return-path (or MailFrom address) consistently points back to the primary domain of their Google Workspace account. This discrepancy can lead to concerns about email deliverability and compliance.
Google Workspace sends all emails using its own infrastructure, which means the return-path is fixed to the primary domain.
