# Why Gmail, Yahoo, or any free domain cannot be used for sending with GetResponse?

Starting in February 2024, [Gmail](https://blog.google/products/gmail/gmail-security-authentication-spam-protection/) and [Yahoo](https://blog.postmaster.yahooinc.com/post/730172167494483968/more-secure-less-spam) are rolling out new authentication requirements which require using a [custom **DKIM** authenticated domain](https://www.getresponse.com/help/what-is-dkim-and-how-do-i-configure-it.html) with [**DMARC** reinforced](https://www.getresponse.com/help/what-is-dmarc.html).

In April 2025, [Microsoft](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftdefenderforoffice365blog/strengthening-email-ecosystem-outlook%E2%80%99s-new-requirements-for-high%E2%80%90volume-senders/4399730) joined them with a similar announcement.

GetResponse strongly advises all senders to use email addresses from their own private domains as a [from email address](https://www.getresponse.com/help/how-can-i-add-a-new-from-address-and-name-for-my-messages.html), and to configure both **DKIM** and **DMARC**.

For additional details on these modifications, refer to our blog posts:  
[Gmail and Yahoo’s Authentication Changes: All You Need to Know](https://www.getresponse.com/blog/gmail-yahoo-authentication)  
[Microsoft’s new authentication requirements — All you need to know](https://www.getresponse.com/blog/microsoft-authentication)

Changes in Gmail and Yahoo mean that the emails sent using your Gmail, Yahoo or any similar email address **(yourname@gmail.com**) can only be sent via their respective servers (Gmail, Yahoo etc) and not via servers of any other bulk email service providers like GetResponse.

**This article includes a video demonstration:** [Watch video](https://www.youtube.com/embed/v1D0MJOLvG4?feature=oembed)

Changes by Gmail and Yahoo
--------------------------

Gmail and Yahoo introduced new guidelines for bulk email sending services (like GetResponse).

Those requirements include:

*   Setting up SPF or DKIM email authentication for your domain.
*   Configuring DMARC [enforcement policy](https://support.google.com/a/answer/10032169?sjid=4125277661661711469-EU#policy-options) for your sending domain.
*   Keeping spam complaints below 0.3%.
*   Allowing **easy one-click unsubscribe** and honoring unsubscribe requests within two days.

It means that sending emails from yourname@gmail.com (or similar) via GetResponse will no longer be possible.

Most changes, like **easy one-click unsubscribe**, are already implemented by us and we take care of them automatically.

Impact of changes on GetResponse customers
------------------------------------------

These changes only affect GetResponse customers who:

*   are using yourname@gmail.com or similar as a from address to send emails via GetResponse.
*   are using their own domain, which is it is not authenticated with SPF and/or DKIM.
*   are using a from address where DMARC policy is not set.

Solutions
---------

The simplest solution is to buy a domain directly through GetResponse. If you choose that option, we’ll automatically authenticate your domain and set the DMARC policy for it.

Whichever option you prefer, we do provide help links below.

1.  If you are using gmail.com as a sender, you need to change it to your own domain. If you are already using own domain from field, skip this part and proceed to the next step (2).  
      
    There are several ways to get own domain email:  
    *   Purchase domain with email account from a 3rd party provider, then add that email to GetResponse to use it as a from field
    *   [Purchase domain directly from GetResponse](https://www.getresponse.com/help/how-can-i-purchase-a-domain-with-getresponse.html), then [create a business email alias](https://www.getresponse.com/help/how-do-i-create-business-email-at-my-custom-domain.html) for it  
          
        
2.  Authenticate your domain with [SPF](https://www.getresponse.com/help/what-is-spf-and-how-to-configure-it.html) and [DKIM](https://www.getresponse.com/help/what-is-dkim-and-how-do-i-configure-it.html).  
    _If you are using business email alias for the domain purchased with GetResponse, there is no need to do that, the domain will be authenticated automatically._  
    
3.  [Make sure the DMARC policy is configured properly.](https://www.getresponse.com/help/how-can-i-send-dmarc-compliant-mail.html)  
    _If you are using business email alias for the domain purchased with GetResponse, there is no need to do that, DMARC policy is applied automatically._  
    
4.  Keep [spam complaints](https://www.getresponse.com/help/what-are-complaints.html) below 0.3%.