Troubleshoot Email Authentication and Deliverability

Diagnose SMTP/API authentication, sender verification, DNS, spam placement, bounces, replies and unsubscribe problems.

Overview

Search Aliases: email not sending, email spam, SMTP error, DKIM error, email reply missing

TROUBLESHOOTING METHOD

  1. Record workspace, sender, time in PKT and provider error.
  2. Send to an internal test address.
  3. Check connection status.
  4. Check sender/domain verification.
  5. Check SMTP/API/OAuth credential.
  6. Check SPF, DKIM and DMARC.
  7. Check provider limit and account status.
  8. Check audience, content and links.
  9. Check bounce, complaint and suppression events.
  10. Capture redacted evidence.

COMMON ISSUES & SOLUTIONS

Authentication failedHost, port, username, app password/API key, OAuth and encryption.
Sender not allowedComplete provider verification.
Email goes to spamReview authentication, reputation, list quality, subject, content and complaint rate.
Hard bounceRemove or correct invalid address.
Soft bounceReview temporary recipient/provider issue and retry policy.
Reply not connectedReview Reply-To and inbound mailbox connection.
Unsubscribe ignoredReview campaign audience refresh and suppression.
App password stopped after Google password changeGenerate a replacement if the organization permits app passwords.

SAFE SUPPORT REQUEST

Include sender shown partially, connection type, provider error, time in PKT and redacted authentication result. Never include a password, app password, API key, DNS-management login or customer list.

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