> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.hoopai.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Google and Yahoo sender requirements

> Compliance guide for 2024+ email sender requirements from Google and Yahoo — SPF, DKIM, DMARC, one-click unsubscribe, and spam rate thresholds.

Starting February 2024, Google and Yahoo enforce stricter requirements for bulk email senders. If you send more than 5,000 emails per day, you must meet these standards or your emails may be blocked.

<Warning>
  These requirements apply to all senders, not just marketers. Transactional emails (appointment confirmations, invoices) count toward your daily volume.
</Warning>

***

## What changed

| Requirement                       | Details                                                                       | Deadline      |
| --------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------- |
| **SPF and DKIM authentication**   | All emails must pass SPF and DKIM checks                                      | February 2024 |
| **DMARC record**                  | Your domain must have a DMARC DNS record (at minimum `p=none`)                | February 2024 |
| **One-click unsubscribe**         | Marketing emails must include a List-Unsubscribe header for one-click opt-out | June 2024     |
| **Spam rate threshold**           | Keep reported spam rate below 0.3% (target under 0.1%)                        | February 2024 |
| **Valid forward and reverse DNS** | Sending IPs must have proper PTR records                                      | February 2024 |
| **TLS encryption**                | All email must be sent over TLS                                               | February 2024 |

***

## How to comply in HoopAI

### 1. Set up a dedicated sending domain

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to email settings">
    Navigate to **Settings → Email Services → Dedicated Domain**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add your domain">
    Enter your sending domain and follow the prompts to add SPF and DKIM DNS records.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify">
    HoopAI will check your DNS records and show green checkmarks when verified.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### 2. Add a DMARC record

If you do not already have one, add a DMARC TXT record to your DNS:

```
Host: _dmarc.yourdomain.com
Value: v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc-reports@yourdomain.com
```

<Tip>
  Start with `p=none` to monitor without blocking. After reviewing reports, move to `p=quarantine` and then `p=reject`.
</Tip>

### 3. Enable one-click unsubscribe

HoopAI automatically includes List-Unsubscribe headers on marketing emails sent through the email builder and campaigns. Verify by:

1. Sending a test email to a Gmail account
2. Checking that the "Unsubscribe" link appears next to the sender name
3. Confirming it works with a single click

### 4. Monitor your spam rate

<Steps>
  <Step title="Set up Google Postmaster Tools">
    Go to [postmaster.google.com](https://postmaster.google.com/) and verify your domain.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check spam rate regularly">
    Your spam rate must stay **below 0.3%**. Target under **0.1%** for best deliverability.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Take action if spam rate rises">
    * Reduce send volume temporarily
    * Clean your list — remove unengaged contacts
    * Improve content relevance
    * Make the unsubscribe link more visible (reducing spam reports)
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Compliance checklist

| Item                                      | Status check                                 |
| ----------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| Dedicated sending domain configured       | Settings → Email Services → green checkmarks |
| SPF record added                          | DNS TXT record includes HoopAI SPF           |
| DKIM records added                        | DNS CNAME records match Settings values      |
| DMARC record exists                       | DNS TXT record for `_dmarc.yourdomain.com`   |
| One-click unsubscribe working             | Test email shows unsubscribe link in Gmail   |
| Spam rate under 0.3%                      | Google Postmaster Tools dashboard            |
| Only sending to opted-in contacts         | Contact import includes consent verification |
| Unsubscribe link in every marketing email | Email templates include footer unsubscribe   |

***

## What happens if you do not comply

* **Gmail**: Emails may be deferred, sent to spam, or blocked entirely. Gmail may return 550 errors
* **Yahoo**: Similar filtering — emails rejected or sent to spam
* **Other providers**: Microsoft and Apple are expected to adopt similar requirements

***

## Frequently asked questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Does this apply if I send fewer than 5,000 emails per day?">
    SPF and DKIM are required for all senders regardless of volume. DMARC and one-click unsubscribe are technically required for senders exceeding 5,000/day, but all senders benefit from setting them up.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does HoopAI handle one-click unsubscribe automatically?">
    Yes. HoopAI includes the required List-Unsubscribe and List-Unsubscribe-Post headers on marketing emails. You do not need to configure this manually.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I check my spam rate?">
    Use Google Postmaster Tools (free). It shows your domain's spam rate, authentication pass rates, and reputation score with Gmail.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if my DMARC policy breaks other email services?">
    Start with `p=none` which only monitors without blocking. Review DMARC reports to identify all legitimate senders before tightening the policy.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>