MailChannels blocks protect the global email ecosystem from spam and abuse. While they can be frustrating, you can avoid MailChannels blocks by practicing good email hygiene, such as cleaning mailing lists, authenticating domains, avoiding spam-like content, and securing accounts.
This guide will help empower you with how to avoid MailChannels blocks and take control of your sending reputation, and reduce MailChannels errors that affect email delivery.
What Are MailChannels Blocks?
MailChannels is a security service that protects email delivery by filtering out spam and malicious traffic. When it detects suspicious patterns, it blocks emails to protect the sender’s reputation and the receiving servers.
Why Do MailChannels Blocks Happen?
- Sending to invalid or inactive email addresses.
- High spam complaint rates from recipients.
- Missing or misconfigured SPF, DKIM, or DMARC records.
- Bulk email campaigns without warming up the sending volume.
- Malware or compromised accounts are sending abusive traffic.
How to Avoid MailChannels Blocks
1. Authenticate Your Domain
- Enable SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records in your DNS.
- These records prove that your emails are legitimate and prevent spoofing.
2. Clean Your Mailing Lists
- Use double opt-in to confirm subscribers.
- Regularly remove invalid or bounced email addresses.
- Test your lists with verification tools before sending bulk campaigns.
3. Use Best Sending Practices
- Write clear, relevant subject lines and avoid spammy language (Example: “FREE $$$”, “URGENT”).
- Send from consistent “From” addresses.
- Don’t send bulk to unverified or cold contacts.
4. Secure Your Account
- Use strong, unique passwords.
- Update your operating system regularly.
- Run antivirus scans to detect malware.
5. Monitor Your Sending Activity
- Check bounce and complaint reports frequently.
- Use Google Postmaster Tools for Gmail reputation insights.
- Review MailChannels error messages to spot early warning signs.
6. Warm Up Email Sending
- If sending large volumes, increase gradually over days/weeks. We recommend sending no more than 100 a day initially and progressively building on this.
- Sudden spikes can look suspicious to MailChannels.
Tips to Improve Mail Reputation
There are numerous reasons why MailChannels may flag an email as a risk. A common issue is the use of subject lines that are found in widespread spam campaigns, for example, variations of greetings such as re: fwd: hello, hi, etc.
Below, please find a list of “don’ts” to help you improve your mail reputation:
- Don’t write emails without a subject line.
- Don’t write subject lines in ALL IN CAPS.
- Don’t plead with people to “Open Me!”
- Don’t deceive readers with a false promise.
- Don’t give away everything in your subject line (Do not make your subject line too long).
- Don’t use one word like “Hi!” as your subject line.
- Skip the punctuation!!!
- Don’t add Re: to your subject line to deceive readers.
- Avoid using blacklisted URLs or suspicious/bad attachments in the mails.
When to Contact 1-grid Support
If you’ve followed these steps and still experience MailChannels blocks, contact our Support Team.
Provide the following (with screenshots, where possible):
- The exact error message.
- Details of your SPF/DKIM/DMARC setup.
- Your sending history and mailing list verification steps.
FAQs
Will enabling SPF, DKIM, and DMARC stop MailChannels blocks completely?
No, but it significantly reduces the risk when combined with good sending practices.
Can MailChannels blocks happen if I only send small volumes?
Yes, if the messages look suspicious or you send to invalid recipients.
How can I check if my domain or IP is blacklisted?
What’s the most common reason for blocks?
Sending to invalid addresses or lists with poor hygiene.
Can 1-grid remove my domain from MailChannels blocks?
1-grid can assist with appeals, but following best practices is the best prevention.
Additional Resources
MailChannels FAQs
Blocked via Mailchannels Due to Spam
MailChannels Error Codes and How to Fix Them
How to Resolve MailChannels Error 550 “Too many invalid recipients”
Top 10 Common Email Issues and How to Resolve Them
Setting Up Email in Outlook via Windows Control Panel
How to Set Up Email on Android for Your 1-grid Email Accounts
Settings to Configure Your 1-grid Email Accounts Across Devices
Resolving Email Error Messages When Sending to Gmail Accounts
What is IP Blacklisting?
How Do I Check if My IP is Blacklisted?
SpamTitan: How to Blacklist an Email Address or Domain
What Is Email Spoofing? How It Works and How to Protect Yourself
How to Spot a Scam Email
Email Headers FAQs
Email FAQs
How to Enable DKIM and SPF on Your Mail Domain
Why SSL? The Purpose of Using SSL Certificates
What is a Domain Name Server (DNS)?
How to Update Your Domain’s Nameservers at 1-grid
SpamTitan FAQs
Need Additional Support?
We’re Here to Help:
Understanding MailChannels error codes and how to resolve them doesn’t have to feel technical with this easy-to-reference guide. Stuck? Contact our Support Team for clarity and guidance (https://1grid.co.za/contact-us/). We’re ready to see how we can help!