Guides · Updated 2026-10-11

Gmail and Yahoo sender requirements: the checklist

Since February 2024, Google and Yahoo require authentication from everyone who sends to their users, with stricter rules for bulk senders. Google defines a bulk sender as one that has sent close to 5,000 or more messages to personal Gmail accounts in a single day.

All senders (Google)

Set up SPF or DKIM for your sending domain.
Valid forward and reverse DNS (PTR) for sending IPs.
Use TLS for transmitting email.
Keep spam rates reported in Postmaster Tools below 0.3% (Google recommends staying under 0.1%).
Format messages according to RFC 5322.

Bulk senders (Google)

SPF and DKIM.
A DMARC record for your sending domain; policy can be p=none.
The From: domain must align with either the SPF or the DKIM domain.
Marketing and subscribed messages must support one-click unsubscribe (RFC 8058) and include a visible unsubscribe link; process unsubscribes within 2 days.

Yahoo

Yahoo's requirements closely mirror Google's: authenticate with SPF and DKIM, publish DMARC (at least p=none), keep complaint rates low, and honor one-click unsubscribe for bulk mail.

What happens if you don't comply

Non-compliant mail can be sent to spam, temporarily deferred, or rejected. Google has said it will increase enforcement over time. Microsoft has added similar rules for Outlook.com; see Outlook sender requirements.

Check your domain now. Our free checker grades DMARC, SPF, DKIM, MX, BIMI and MTA-STS in seconds.

Sources

This guide is general information, not legal or professional advice. Provider screens change; always confirm the exact values shown in your own account.