Gmail sender requirements with MailAuth Doctor
The domain check includes a Gmail checklist built from Google's own sender guidelines. It marks what DNS can verify and is explicit about what it cannot.
- Enter your sending domain and run the check.
- Read the Gmail requirements table: SPF, DKIM key size and DMARC.
- Handle the items DNS cannot show: TLS, spam rate, reverse DNS of your sending IP, one-click unsubscribe.
- Re-check after changes.
What to know
Google's email sender guidelines apply to mail sent to personal Gmail accounts. For all senders they ask for SPF or DKIM, valid forward and reverse DNS for the sending IP, TLS, a spam rate below 0.3% in Postmaster Tools, and no impersonation of Gmail From headers. Bulk senders (5,000 or more messages a day) must set up both SPF and DKIM, publish DMARC, align the From domain with the SPF or DKIM domain, and support one-click unsubscribe with a visible unsubscribe link in marketing messages.
DNS can show whether SPF exists, whether a DKIM key is at least 1024 bits and whether a DMARC record exists. It cannot show your spam rate, whether your server uses TLS, whether the sending IP has valid reverse DNS (that needs the IP), or whether your messages carry the unsubscribe headers. The checklist says so instead of giving a green tick it cannot justify.
Google says the DMARC policy for bulk senders can be none. A p=none record satisfies the requirement, but it does not protect your domain from being spoofed. Moving to quarantine or reject is a separate decision, covered by the DMARC ramp page, and should be driven by your reports.
Updated · Cosmovex
Questions
What are Gmail's requirements for bulk senders?
SPF and DKIM, a DMARC record (the policy can be none), alignment of the From domain with SPF or DKIM, TLS, valid reverse DNS, a spam rate below 0.3% and one-click unsubscribe for marketing mail, per Google's guidelines.
How many emails make me a bulk sender?
Google defines bulk senders as those sending 5,000 or more messages a day to personal Gmail accounts.
Does Gmail require DMARC p=reject?
No. The guidelines say the enforcement policy can be none.
Can this tool verify my spam rate or TLS?
No. Those cannot be seen in DNS. Use Google Postmaster Tools for the spam rate and check TLS on your mail server.
The free plan covers everything on this page. MailAuth Doctor Pro ($7/mo, billed monthly) is described on the MailAuth Doctor page.
