How do I troubleshoot BIMI logo not showing after implementation?

Key findings

• DMARC Policy Compliance: A DMARC policy set to either p=quarantine or p=reject is a mandatory prerequisite for BIMI logo display across most supporting email clients. A p=none policy will prevent your logo from showing.
• DNS Record Accuracy: Even a minor typo in your BIMI TXT record, especially the selector (default._bimi) or the SVG URL, can prevent your logo from appearing. Regular validation of your BIMI record is crucial.
• VMC Requirement: For broad display, especially in Gmail, a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is generally required. Without a VMC, BIMI support is limited to select providers like Fastmail and Yahoo Mail, subject to their specific guidelines.
• Propagation Delays: DNS changes can take time to propagate, typically up to 72 hours, but in some cases, especially with certain mailbox providers, it might take even longer for the logo to appear.
• Mailbox Provider Specifics: Some mailbox providers, like Yahoo, have additional criteria beyond just the technical setup, such as sender reputation or manual review processes, before they display your BIMI logo. Referencing their sender guidelines can be helpful.

Key considerations

• Verify DMARC Alignment: Ensure your DMARC record is correctly aligned and enforced with a policy of p=quarantine or p=reject. This is a foundational step for BIMI.
• Check DNS Entries Carefully: Double-check the BIMI TXT record for any errors in the domain, subdomain, selector, or SVG URL. Tools from the BIMI Group can help validate your records.
• Consider VMC for Broader Support: If your goal is widespread logo display, especially in prominent clients like Gmail, securing a VMC is essential.
• Test Across Multiple Clients: Don't just test with one email client. Send emails to various supported clients (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Apple Mail) to observe where your logo appears or fails to appear. This can help pinpoint if the issue is client-specific or a broader configuration problem.
• Monitor Sender Reputation: While not directly a BIMI configuration, a strong sender reputation significantly influences whether mailbox providers choose to display your logo, especially those with stricter criteria. Regularly monitor your domain reputation to ensure optimal deliverability and trust signals.

Key opinions

• DMARC Policy is Critical: Many marketers emphasize that having a DMARC policy of p=quarantine or p=reject is non-negotiable for BIMI to work. A p=none policy will not suffice.
• VMC Impact: The absence of a VMC severely limits where your logo will display, with Gmail being a notable client that typically requires one. Marketers frequently point out this distinction.
• DNS Record Accuracy: Incorrectly configured BIMI TXT records are a frequent cause of display issues. Even minor errors in the selector or SVG URL can prevent the logo from showing.
• Waiting Period: While DNS propagation generally takes up to 72 hours, some mailbox providers, like Yahoo, can take weeks to display the logo, if at all, especially for smaller senders.
• Sender Reputation Matters: Even with perfect technical setup, a poor sender reputation can hinder BIMI logo display with certain providers who factor reputation into their display decisions. Maintaining good deliverability is key.

Key considerations

• Prioritize DMARC Enforcement: Before troubleshooting BIMI, ensure your DMARC policy is firmly set to p=quarantine or p=reject. This is a foundational step, as detailed in our guide on safely transitioning your DMARC policy.
• Verify BIMI Records: Utilize online BIMI checkers to confirm your TXT record is correctly published and syntactically valid. This helps ensure your BIMI SVG and certificate are in order.
• Be Patient with Yahoo: If your logo isn't showing on Yahoo, be aware that it can take longer than other providers. Consider proactively contacting their sender support if the delay is significant. You can find more specific advice for Yahoo Mail BIMI issues in our dedicated guide.
• Test on Gmail First (if VMC): If you have a VMC, Gmail often displays the logo faster than Yahoo. Use Gmail as an initial testbed to confirm basic BIMI functionality.
• Review SVG Formatting: Ensure your SVG logo meets all BIMI specifications, including proper sizing and security. Incorrect SVG files are a common cause of display failures, particularly with specific mailbox providers.

Key opinions

• DMARC Policy is Foundation: Experts universally agree that a DMARC policy of p=quarantine or p=reject is a prerequisite. This policy ensures the domain's authenticity, which BIMI leverages.
• VMC for Widespread Display: While some providers might support self-asserted BIMI, a VMC is crucial for consistent logo display across major email clients like Gmail. This is a key differentiator for broad visibility.
• DNS Accuracy is Non-Negotiable: Precise configuration of the BIMI TXT record, including the selector and SVG URL, is essential. Any error will prevent the logo from appearing.
• Mailbox Provider Variability: Different mailbox providers have varying speeds and additional requirements for BIMI logo display. Some, like Yahoo, may take longer or require direct communication for activation.
• Reputation Impact: Beyond technical setup, a strong sending reputation plays a significant role in BIMI adoption by mailbox providers, influencing their decision to display the logo.

Key considerations

• Confirm DMARC Enforcement: Ensure your domain's DMARC policy is set to quarantine or reject. This is a critical prerequisite for BIMI and should be verified first. Understanding DMARC, SPF, and DKIM is fundamental.
• Validate BIMI DNS Record: Use a reliable online tool to check the syntax and publication of your BIMI TXT record. Errors here are often subtle but impactful.
• Acquire a VMC: If you haven't already, obtain a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) from an accredited certificate authority to maximize your logo's visibility across supporting email clients. Find a list of BIMI accredited certificate providers on our site.
• Contact Mailbox Providers: If persistent issues occur, particularly with specific providers like Yahoo, reaching out to their postmaster or sender support can often yield insights or even a manual review. The Yahoo BIMI page provides contact information.
• Monitor Email Deliverability: Continuously monitor your overall email deliverability and sender reputation. A strong sending history and positive engagement metrics can influence whether your BIMI logo is shown, even if all technical requirements are met.

Key findings

• Mandatory DMARC Policy: BIMI requires an active DMARC policy set to either p=quarantine or p=reject for the organizational domain. A p=none policy does not meet the standard for logo display.
• Accurate BIMI DNS Record: A TXT record must be published in the DNS for the domain, typically at default._bimi.yourdomain.com, containing the BIMI version and the URL to the SVG logo.
• SVG Logo Specifications: The SVG logo must comply with specific standards, including being square, publicly accessible via HTTPS, and correctly formatted to be accepted by mailbox providers.
• VMC for Verified Logos: To display a verified, trademarked logo across most supporting email clients (e.g., Gmail), a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is necessary, linking the logo to the authenticated domain.
• Mailbox Provider Support: While BIMI is a standard, its implementation and display vary by email client. Some providers may have additional criteria or longer adoption timelines.

Key considerations

• Verify DMARC Status: Confirm that your DMARC record is correctly configured and that its policy is set to p=quarantine or p=reject. This is often the first point of failure for BIMI implementation.
• Cross-Reference BIMI Record Syntax: Ensure the BIMI TXT record's syntax is exact, particularly the v=BIMI1 tag and the l= tag pointing to the SVG, as outlined in the BIMI Group's implementation guide.
• Validate SVG Format and Accessibility: Confirm that your SVG file meets all published specifications and is hosted on a secure, publicly accessible server. Incorrect SVG formatting is a common reason for logo rejection.
• Check VMC Validity (if applicable): If using a VMC, ensure it is still valid and correctly linked in your BIMI record's a= tag.
• Consult Mailbox Provider Documentation: Refer to the specific postmaster pages or BIMI guidelines of the email clients where your logo isn't displaying, as they may have additional, unstated requirements. For example, Yahoo's sender guide provides specific information.