Summary
Numerous factors can prevent a BIMI logo from appearing in Gmail despite having a VMC certificate. Key issues include: logo discrepancies between the VMC and BIMI record, non-static BIMI URLs, incorrect SVG formatting or validation, VMC validation failures, DNS misconfigurations, email client caching, poor sender reputation, logo server downtime or SSL problems, non-HTTPS logo hosting, VMC domain mismatches, distrusted Certificate Authorities, and potential temporary Gmail issues. Experts suggest using aboutmy.mail to verify image details in the certificate and DNS records, as well as checking the VMC's certificate chain.
Key findings
- Logo Discrepancy: Mismatch between logos in VMC and BIMI record prevents display.
- Non-Static URL: BIMI URL must be static and cannot redirect.
- SVG Issues: Incorrectly formatted, validated, or sized SVGs cause problems.
- VMC Validation Failure: Receiving servers or CAs failing to validate VMC prevents logo display.
- DNS Misconfiguration: Typos or incorrect paths in BIMI DNS records cause failures.
- Caching Problems: Email client caching can prevent the latest logo from appearing.
- Reputation Issues: Poor sender reputation can cause BIMI to be ignored.
- Hosting Problems: Logo server downtime or SSL problems block logo display.
- Non-HTTPS Hosting: Logo must be hosted on HTTPS.
- Domain Mismatch: VMC domain must match sending domain.
- Distrusted CA: VMC from a distrusted CA will not work.
- Gmail Issues: Temporary Gmail-specific problems can occur.
- Certificate Chain Issues: Problems with the root or intermediate certificates in the VMC chain.
Key considerations
- Verify Logo Details: Use tools like aboutmy.mail to examine logo data within the certificate.
- Inspect DNS Records: Double-check BIMI DNS records for accuracy.
- Check Certificate Chain: Verify root and intermediate certificates.
- Validate SVG: Ensure SVG is properly formatted and validates.
- Monitor Reputation: Maintain a good sender reputation.
- Check Hosting: Verify that logo is hosted properly with HTTPS.
- Acknowledge Adoption: Be aware that BIMI adoption is not universal.
- Monitor Gmail: Look for any temporary issues with Gmail’s display.
- Implement Static URLs: Ensure that logo urls are static
- Consider Caching: Clear email client cache to ensure logo is showing up to date.
What email marketers say
10 marketer opinions
Several factors can prevent a BIMI logo from displaying in Gmail despite having a VMC certificate. These include BIMI DNS record misconfigurations (typos, incorrect paths), discrepancies between the logo used in the VMC and BIMI record, non-static BIMI URL causing redirects, incorrect SVG formatting or file size, VMC validation failures, email client caching issues, poor sender reputation, server downtime or SSL issues on the logo hosting server, and the possibility that Gmail or the receiving mail server may not fully support BIMI.
Key opinions
- DNS Misconfiguration: Incorrectly configured BIMI DNS records, including typos or incorrect paths to the SVG logo, are common causes of logo display failure.
- Logo Discrepancy: The logo used in the VMC must match the logo referenced in the BIMI record; any mismatch will prevent display.
- URL Redirects: The BIMI logo URL must be static and should not redirect to another location.
- SVG Issues: Improperly formatted or validated SVG files, or those exceeding size limits, will not display correctly.
- VMC Validation: Failure to properly validate the VMC by the Certificate Authority or receiving mail server can lead to logo display issues.
- Server Issues: Downtime of the logo hosting server or SSL certificate issues can prevent the image from displaying.
Key considerations
- Check DNS Records: Thoroughly check the BIMI DNS records for accuracy and correct paths.
- Verify Logo Consistency: Ensure the logo used in the VMC matches the one referenced in the BIMI record.
- Use Static URLs: Confirm that the BIMI logo URL is static and does not redirect.
- Validate SVG: Validate the SVG file to ensure it is properly formatted, meets size requirements, and contains only supported elements.
- Monitor Sender Reputation: Maintain a good sender reputation, as this can affect whether email providers display the BIMI logo.
- Consider Caching: Be aware of potential caching issues on the email client side, and suggest users clear their cache.
- Check Hosting: Confirm there are no downtime or SSL certificate issues on the server hosting the BIMI logo.
- Account for BIMI Adoption: Remember that BIMI is not universally adopted, and some providers might not support it even with a valid VMC.
- Verify Certificate Details: Use online tools or services to thoroughly check the certificate details, including validation status and expiration date.
Marketer view
Email marketer from EmailOnAcid.com indicates that the server hosting the BIMI logo might be experiencing downtime or have SSL certificate issues, preventing the image from being displayed.
8 Apr 2022 - EmailOnAcid.com
Marketer view
Email marketer from LinkedIn suggests using online tools or services to thoroughly check the certificate details. They explain the check will include validation status, expiration date, and other relevant information to ensure there are no issues.
29 Oct 2024 - LinkedIn
What the experts say
4 expert opinions
Several experts suggest troubleshooting BIMI logo display issues in Gmail by first using aboutmy.mail to verify the images embedded in both the VMC certificate and BIMI records. If the images are correct, the issue may be related to Gmail's handling. Other potential problems include misconfigured DNS records and issues with the VMC's certificate chain, requiring a check of root and intermediate certificates.
Key opinions
- Image Verification: Use aboutmy.mail to verify the images within the VMC certificate and BIMI records match.
- Gmail Handling: If images match, Gmail might be the source of the problem.
- DNS Misconfiguration: Incorrectly configured BIMI DNS records can prevent the logo from displaying.
- Certificate Chain Issues: Problems with the VMC's certificate chain may hinder Gmail's validation of the BIMI logo.
Key considerations
- Check Certificate Details: Use aboutmy.mail to examine image details embedded in the VMC and BIMI record.
- Investigate Gmail: If images are correct, research potential Gmail-specific issues.
- Review DNS Configuration: Carefully check BIMI DNS records for syntax and path errors.
- Examine Certificate Chain: Inspect the root and intermediate certificates of the VMC for potential problems.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks advises to first check the images published in the certificate and BIMI records using aboutmy.email. If those are correct, investigate Gmail's handling of the images.
21 Jul 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise Forums explains that a problem with the certificate chain of the VMC could prevent Gmail from validating and displaying the BIMI logo, even if the certificate itself appears to be valid. They suggest checking the root and intermediate certificates.
20 Jan 2023 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
Documentation from various sources highlights several reasons why a BIMI logo might not appear in Gmail despite having a valid VMC. These include incorrect SVG formatting, hosting the logo on a non-HTTPS server, issues with VMC validation by the Certificate Authority or receiving mail server, problems with VMC issuance such as domain mismatch, CA distrust, and temporary issues with Gmail's BIMI display.
Key findings
- SVG Formatting/Hosting: Incorrect SVG formatting or hosting the logo on a non-HTTPS server are common issues.
- VMC Validation Issues: The VMC may not have been properly validated by the Certificate Authority or the receiving mail server.
- VMC Issuance Problems: The VMC might have been issued incorrectly due to domain mismatch or distrusted CA.
- Gmail Temporary Issues: Gmail may be experiencing temporary issues with BIMI display.
Key considerations
- Check SVG: Verify SVG formatting and ensure it is hosted on an HTTPS server.
- Confirm VMC Validation: Check that the VMC was properly validated by the CA and that the receiving mail server is correctly validating it.
- Verify VMC Details: Ensure the VMC was correctly issued, the domain matches, and the CA is trusted.
- Monitor Gmail: Be aware of potential temporary issues with Gmail and check back later.
Technical article
Documentation from Entrust.com explains that common causes for BIMI logos not appearing include incorrect SVG formatting, hosting the SVG on a non-HTTPS server, or issues with the VMC itself, such as incorrect domain matching.
15 Aug 2024 - Entrust.com
Technical article
Documentation from DigiCert.com shares that the VMC might not be issued correctly, the domain specified on the VMC request does not exactly match the sending domain, or the CA issuing the VMC isn't trusted by the receiving email provider.
8 Sep 2023 - DigiCert.com
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