PSA: Google just quietly updated their sender guidelines again
delivdan · 2026-03-07 · 2,340 views
Heads up everyone. Google quietly updated their bulk sender requirements last week.
Big change: DKIM alignment is now enforced more strictly. If your DKIM d= domain does not match your From domain, you will see increased spam placement even if DKIM technically passes.
This is a big deal for anyone using shared SMTP providers where the DKIM domain is the provider's domain, not your sending domain. These setups will see declining deliverability going forward.
If you are on PuzzleInbox or any provider that gives you dedicated Google Workspace accounts, you are fine — DKIM alignment is automatic because you are signing with your own domain.
Check your DKIM alignment today using MXToolbox or Google Postmaster Tools. If your d= domain does not match your From: domain, talk to your provider immediately or consider switching to dedicated inboxes.
Comments (9)
inboxpro · 2026-03-07
just checked my postmaster tools and yep, seeing the DKIM alignment enforcement already. good heads up
tina_infra · 2026-03-07
This is huge. A ton of people using shared SMTP are going to wake up to tanked deliverability and have no idea why. The DKIM d= domain mismatch is something most people never even check.
warmup_wiz · MailReach · 2026-03-08
We've been warning about this for months. Google has been moving toward stricter alignment enforcement all year. If you're on any provider where DKIM signs with their domain instead of yours, you're going to see issues. Dedicated Google Workspace inboxes avoid this entirely.
noobsender · 2026-03-08
wait how do I check my DKIM alignment? is there a quick way to see the d= domain?
mailermark · 2026-03-08
@noobsender send yourself a test email, open it in Gmail, click the three dots then Show Original. Look for DKIM and check the d= value. It should match your From domain exactly.
agencygrind · 2026-03-09
just migrated 3 clients off shared SMTP to dedicated Google Workspace last week because of this. timing was perfect apparently lol
scrappyscott · 2026-03-09
Google keeps tightening the screws. First the bulk sender requirements, now this. Honestly it's good for the industry though — raises the bar for everyone.
coldkingdom · 2026-03-10
This is why I keep saying SPF, DKIM, and DMARC alignment is not optional. It's table stakes. If your provider can't give you full alignment on your own domain, find a new provider.
frustratedfrank · 2026-03-10
my reply rates dropped significantly this week and I couldn't figure out why. this might be it. checking now...