Email Deliverability
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      Why You Should Stop Using @gmail.com or Freemail Addresses in ActiveCampaign Immediately

      This article explains why @gmail.com and freemail addresses no longer work with ActiveCampaign due to Google's 2024 policy changes.

      If you’re using an @gmail.com or other freemail addresses (like @yahoo.com or @outlook.com) as your “From” address in ActiveCampaign, you need to rethink your approach. Google has implemented strict email authentication policies, effective February 2024, which directly impact email deliverability and compliance when sending from a freemail address.

      Failure to comply will not only hinder your email marketing performance but could result in bounced emails, reduced engagement, and spam classification. ActiveCampaign has outlined critical changes and solutions to help users maintain high deliverability rates while staying compliant.

      Why You Should Avoid Using Freemail Addresses in ActiveCampaign

      Using @gmail.com, @yahoo.com, or other free email providers as your “From” address in ActiveCampaign leads to serious deliverability issues. Here’s why:

      • Freemail Addresses Are a Red Flag for Spam Filters
        Since spammers frequently use freemail addresses to conceal their identities, emails sent from these addresses are more likely to be flagged as spam or blocked entirely.

      • Yahoo & Other Providers Have Strict DMARC Policies
        Some providers, like Yahoo, have public DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) policies that prohibit using their domains with third-party email services, including ActiveCampaign.

        • If you try to send emails from @yahoo.com via ActiveCampaign, most of your emails will bounce.

      • Gmail's New Authentication Rules (February 2024 Update)
        Gmail has introduced new authentication and spam prevention policies to combat phishing and spam.

        • If you continue using @gmail.com as your "From" address, Gmail will block your emails from being sent via ActiveCampaign.
        • Google Workspace (business email accounts) are NOT affected, only personal Gmail accounts.

      What Happens If You Ignore These Changes?

      • Your emails won’t be delivered or will land in spam.
      • You may experience poor email engagement rates.
      • ActiveCampaign will replace your @gmail.com address with a generic shared domain (which is not a long-term solution).

      Gmail's 2024 Policy Changes: What You Need to Know

      Starting February 1, 2024, Gmail will enforce stricter email authentication policies. Here’s what that means:

      • @gmail.com addresses will no longer be allowed as a “From” address in ActiveCampaign.
      • Gmail is requiring all senders to set up DMARC and DKIM authentication.
      • Personal Gmail addresses won’t meet these new authentication standards, making them unreliable for email marketing and automation.

      What About Google Workspace?

      • Google Workspace emails (business accounts) like yourname@yourcompany.com are not affected by this change.
      • If you have a Google Workspace account, you can continue using it with ActiveCampaign, provided that DMARC and DKIM authentication are properly set up.

      What Should You Do If You Use a Freemail Address?

      To ensure continued email delivery and compliance, ActiveCampaign recommends two solutions:

      Option 1: Use a Domain You Own

      If you already have a custom domain (e.g., yourbusiness.com), follow these steps:

      1. Add your domain to ActiveCampaign as a Sending Domain.
      2. Set up DKIM, DMARC, and SPF authentication records to align with Google's new requirements.
      3. If your domain has never been used for email marketing, warm it up before sending large campaigns.

      Option 2: Purchase a Custom Domain

      If you don’t own a domain, now is the time to buy one. Here’s why:

      • Owning a domain boosts email credibility and deliverability.
      • It allows proper authentication (DMARC, DKIM, and SPF), meeting Google’s new policies.
      • Subscribers are more likely to trust emails from a business domain than a freemail address.

      ActiveCampaign allows you to purchase a domain directly through their platform and guides you through domain authentication setup.

      What Happens If You Don’t Switch From @gmail.com?

      If you continue using an @gmail.com address in ActiveCampaign after February 1, 2024, here’s what will happen:

      • ActiveCampaign will replace your “From” address with a temporary shared domain.
      • Your new “From” email will look something like:
        📧 example.gmail.com@youraccount.emcampaign.com
      • This generic shared domain is NOT a long-term fix and can cause:
        • Poor deliverability since multiple senders share the same domain.
        • Subscriber confusion as they won’t recognize the new email address.

      Why Using a Custom Domain is the Best Long-Term Solution

      Moving away from a freemail address isn’t just about compliance—it significantly improves email marketing performance. Here’s why:

      • Better Email Deliverability – Custom domains with proper authentication ensure higher inbox placement.
      • Higher Open & Engagement Rates – Subscribers trust branded email addresses more than generic freemail addresses.
      • Compliance with Email Regulations – Aligns with Google, Yahoo, and other ESPs’ email authentication rules.
      • Greater Brand Credibility – A professional business email builds brand authority and customer trust.

      Final Thoughts: Take Action Now to Avoid Email Disruptions

      Google’s 2024 email policy changes mean that using @gmail.com with ActiveCampaign is no longer an option. The best approach is to switch to a domain you own and properly authenticate your emails.

      🔹 If you already own a domain – Set it up as a Sending Domain and implement DMARC, DKIM, and SPF authentication.
      🔹 If you don’t own a domain – Purchase one as soon as possible and transition your email campaigns.

      By making these changes now, you’ll future-proof your email marketing, maintain high deliverability, and ensure compliance with new Google policies.

      FAQs

      Can I still send emails from my @gmail.com address using ActiveCampaign?

      No. As of February 2024, Gmail’s new authentication policies prevent third-party platforms like ActiveCampaign from sending emails with an @gmail.com address.

      Will my Google Workspace email be affected?

      No. Google Workspace business emails (e.g., yourname@yourcompany.com) are not affected. You can continue using them with proper authentication.

      What happens if I don’t switch from my @gmail.com address?

      ActiveCampaign will replace your sender address with a temporary shared domain (e.g., example.gmail.com@youraccount.emcampaign.com), which can reduce deliverability and confuse recipients.

      Why does Google require DMARC and DKIM authentication?

      These authentication methods help prevent spam, phishing, and email spoofing. They also ensure that only authorized senders can use a domain to send emails.

      How do I set up my domain for sending?

      1. Add your domain to ActiveCampaign.
      2. Configure DMARC, DKIM, and SPF authentication.
      3. Warm up the domain before sending large campaigns.

      Where can I buy a domain?

      You can purchase a domain directly through ActiveCampaign or via domain registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains.