Why am I not receiving Microsoft SNDS authorization emails or experiencing delays?
Michael Ko
Co-founder & CEO, Suped
Published 2 May 2025
Updated 19 Aug 2025
6 min read
It can be incredibly frustrating when you're trying to gain critical insight into your email program through a tool like Microsoft's Smart Network Data Service (SNDS), only to find that the authorization emails aren't arriving or are severely delayed. This isn't an uncommon issue, and it can stem from various factors, ranging from Microsoft's internal system quirks to your own email infrastructure's configuration.
Many senders experience this challenge, which can leave them in the dark about their IP and domain reputation with Microsoft. Understanding the root causes is the first step toward troubleshooting and resolving these delays, ensuring you can access the valuable data SNDS provides to maintain healthy email deliverability.
Common reasons for missing or delayed SNDS authorization emails
The primary reason you might not receive SNDS authorization emails, or why they are significantly delayed, often relates to how Microsoft's systems perceive the sending IP or domain requesting access. Even though it's an authorization email, it's still subject to the same filters and checks as any other incoming mail.
Sometimes, the issue is on Microsoft's end, such as temporary system outages or backlogs that affect the sending of these specific emails. These are often transient issues, but they can cause significant frustration. There have been instances where Microsoft's systems have experienced delays or temporary blocks in sending these authorization emails.
However, more commonly, the problem lies with the recipient server or the email authentication of the address trying to receive the SNDS authorization. Your own mail server might be treating these emails as spam, or the authentication might be failing, causing them to be delayed, quarantined, or outright rejected. This is why a broader understanding of email deliverability issues is crucial. For more general advice, you can check Microsoft's troubleshooting guide for verification code issues.
Common causes
Recipient server filtering: Your mail server's spam filters might be blocking or quarantining the SNDS authorization emails.
IP or domain reputation issues: If the IP address or domain associated with the email address you're using for SNDS authorization has a poor reputation, the email might be blocked (or blacklisted).
Microsoft SNDS system issues: There can be occasional glitches or maintenance periods on Outlook.com's side that delay these emails.
Authentication and reputation impact
Email authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC play a significant role in how mailbox providers trust incoming mail. Even for SNDS authorization emails, a misconfigured or missing authentication record can lead to delivery issues. If your domain lacks proper SPF, DKIM, or DMARC records, even legitimate emails can be flagged.
Your IP and domain reputation are paramount. If your sending IP or domain has a poor reputation, either due to past sending practices, being listed on a public blacklist (or blocklist), or simply being a new IP that hasn't been warmed up, Microsoft's filters may delay or block the SNDS authorization emails. You can check your IP status using a blocklist checker to see if you're listed on any major blacklists. This is a common issue for new IP addresses particularly.
Greylisting is another factor, where a receiving mail server temporarily rejects an email from a sender it doesn't recognize. The sending server is expected to retry later. While a common anti-spam technique, it can lead to delays for even legitimate emails, including SNDS authorization requests. If you suspect greylisting, patience is key, as the email should eventually arrive after a retry.
Well-authenticated sender
SPF record: Properly configured, authorizing your sending IPs.
DKIM signature: Valid and aligned with your sending domain.
DMARC policy: Implemented at p=none or higher.
Good IP reputation: Consistent positive sending history.
Poorly authenticated sender
Missing SPF: No record or incorrect syntax.
Invalid DKIM: Incorrect signature or public key.
No DMARC: No DMARC record published, or policy too weak.
Low IP reputation: History of spam, high bounces, or blocklist listings (blacklisting).
For domains lacking proper authentication, email service providers and mailbox providers may choose to delay delivery, especially if they suspect malicious activity or a lack of legitimate sender verification.
Troubleshooting steps and what to check
When facing issues with SNDS authorization emails, a systematic troubleshooting approach is necessary. First, verify the email address you're trying to authorize in SNDS. Ensure it's correct and that you have access to its inbox. Check your spam or junk folders, as legitimate emails can sometimes be miscategorized.
If the email is still not arriving, check your mail server logs. These logs can provide valuable insights into why an email was delayed or rejected. Look for error codes, rejections, or signs of greylisting. Your email administrator or IT team should be able to assist with this. Also, consider any network-level firewalls or security settings that might be blocking inbound mail from Outlook.com servers. For more detail, you can consult the SNDS FAQ for common scenarios.
You can also verify your current IP and domain reputation. If it's low, this is a likely cause of delays. For existing SNDS users, monitor your SNDS dashboard for unusual activity or status changes. Sometimes, the SNDS portal itself may experience issues, leading to delays in data display or authorization email sending. If you're encountering persistent issues, contacting SNDS support can be helpful, though responses may vary in speed. Refer to how to resolve email blocks when SNDS looks fine.
Issue
Possible cause
Action to take
Email not received at all
Recipient server filtering (spam, quarantine)
Check spam/junk folders, mail server logs, firewall rules.
Significant delays (hours)
Greylisting, Microsoft system backlog/downtime
Wait longer (up to 24 hours), check SNDS FAQ.
SNDS data not updating
SNDS portal issues, API problems
Monitor SNDS data directly for outages, contact support if persistent.
Views from the trenches
Best practices
Ensure your email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is correctly configured for your sending domains.
Regularly monitor your IP and domain reputation, addressing any issues promptly.
Maintain a clean and engaged subscriber list to improve sender reputation and reduce spam complaints.
Common pitfalls
Not checking spam/junk folders for authorization emails, assuming they aren't sent.
Overlooking mail server logs which can indicate why emails are being delayed or rejected.
Ignoring IP or domain reputation warnings, leading to broader deliverability problems.
Expert tips
Implement a DMARC policy with reporting to gain visibility into email authentication failures and potential deliverability issues.
For new IPs, engage in a proper IP warming process to build a positive reputation before sending high volumes.
Establish a dedicated email address for postmaster and abuse contacts that is actively monitored for critical alerts.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks says they were waiting for a reply from the SNDS support team.
2018-05-29 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks says they experienced no authorization emails from SNDS for over a week despite checking.
2018-05-30 - Email Geeks
Proactive measures for sustained deliverability
Receiving SNDS authorization emails reliably is vital for managing your sending reputation with Microsoft. While occasional delays can occur due to Microsoft's systems, most issues can be traced back to your own email infrastructure or practices.
By ensuring proper email authentication, maintaining a solid sender reputation, and diligently troubleshooting your email delivery, you can significantly improve the chances of receiving these critical authorization emails without delay. Remember that consistent monitoring and proactive measures are always the best defense against deliverability challenges and for overall inbox placement.
Microsoft. Understanding the root causes is the first step toward troubleshooting and resolving these delays, ensuring you can access the valuable data SNDS provides to maintain healthy email deliverability.
Outlook.com's side that delay these emails.
p=none or higher.
Outlook.com servers. For more detail, you can consult the SNDS FAQ for common scenarios.
