Gmail Authentication Requirements

Google now enforces a strict checklist for anyone sending more than 5,000 emails a day. Falling short pushes campaigns toward spam folders or blocks altogether. Use the steps below to stay compliant and keep deliverability in top shape.

Authenticate with SPF and DKIM

Sender Policy Framework (SPF) tells providers which servers may send on your behalf. DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) signs every message so Gmail can verify it truly came from you.

Most ESPs—including Bento—generate the required DNS records for you. Copy them exactly as shown; mismatched hostnames or missing quotes will break authentication.

Publish a DMARC policy

Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance (DMARC) instructs mailbox providers how to treat messages that fail SPF or DKIM.

• Start with a relaxed policy such as p=none while you roll out changes.
• Once every stream is properly authenticated, move to p=quarantine or p=reject to block spoofing attempts.

DMARC reports highlight gaps in your infrastructure, so review them regularly.

Keep spam complaints below 0.3%

Google expects fewer than three spam complaints per 1,000 emails. Monitor your complaint rate in Google Postmaster Tools and inside Bento.

Tip: If complaints climb, pause bulk sends, prune inactive segments, and re-confirm forms before relaunching.

Enable one-click unsubscribe

Gmail requires a one-click List-Unsubscribe header for promotional mail. Bento handles this automatically—make sure you are using the latest templates or transactional setup so the header is present.

Checklist before you hit send

1. SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are live and validated.
2. Complaint rate is comfortably under 0.3%.
3. Unsubscribe links work in one click.
4. Forms are secure to prevent bad addresses from entering the list.

Meeting these requirements is not optional, but compliance is straightforward. Audit your DNS, tidy aging segments, and keep a close eye on Postmaster metrics. If anything looks off, drop into the Bento Discord or email support—our deliverability team is happy to help.