Editing Bounces (section)

=== Why are my messages bouncing? ===
Common reasons for message bounces include:

* '''The address doesn't exist (Hard Bounce)''': These bounces have a code that begins with 5xx. It's normal to encounter a few of these as inbox providers deactivate accounts that have not been used for extended periods.
  
* '''Temporary bounce (Soft Bounce)''': These bounces have codes beginning with 4xx or 5xx and can occur due to temporary issues like a full mailbox or brief server outages. If three temporary bounces occur consecutively for a contact, they will be marked as "bounced" as if they had hard bounced.

* '''Reputation''': High spam complaints can lead inbox providers to block your emails based on poor sending reputation.

* '''Message content''': Emails containing blocked phrases, links, or images can be bounced.

* '''Authentication issues''': As of February 2024, Gmail and Yahoo require all senders to set up DKIM and DMARC for their domains. Lack of authentication can lead to bounces.

* '''Issues with DKIM key''': Problems with your public DKIM key can cause bounces.

* '''Restrictive DMARC record''': A strict DMARC record can lead to legitimate messages being bounced. A p=reject record will cause all messages to bounce if DKIM is not set up.

* '''Invalid "From email" address''': Using a disallowed "From email" address can result in bounces.

* '''Auto-bounced bad email addresses''': ActiveCampaign automatically bounces certain contacts identified as bad addresses.