How to Setup, Validate & Troubleshoot BIMI for Your Domain

1. Introduction – Why BIMI Matters

Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) adds your brand logo next to authenticated emails in inboxes, boosting trust, visibility, and open rates. It's a powerful sign that your emails are legitimate and safe to open.

2. What is BIMI?

• BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) is a DNS TXT record linking your logo and optionally a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) to your domain.
• To display your logo, your domain must enforce DMARC with a strict policy (quarantine or reject).
• The logo must be a compliant SVG Tiny-PS file, square, at least 96×96 pixels, and under 32 KB.

3. How Does BIMI Work Technically

When receiving an email, the recipient’s mail client:

1. Checks your domain’s DMARC record for enforcement.
2. Looks up your BIMI record (default._bimi.yourdomain.com).
3. Validates your logo URL and VMC certificate (if present).
4. Displays the logo if all validations pass and domain reputation is positive.

4. How to Check Your BIMI Record

Use free BIMI checker tools:

• Mailcracker BIMI lookup: Validates your BIMI setup quickly.
• EasyDMARC BIMI Checker: Comprehensive DNS, logo, and VMC check.
• Red Sift BIMI Checker: Provides detailed readiness analysis.
• ZeroBounce BIMI Checker: Clear compliance checks and troubleshooting suggestions.

5. Step-by-Step BIMI Setup

Step 1: Enforce DMARC

Set a strict DMARC policy (e.g., p=reject):

v=DMARC1; p=reject; pct=100; rua=mailto:[email protected]

Check your DMARC status using Mailcracker DMARC lookup.

Step 2: Create and Host Your SVG Logo

Your logo must:

• Be an SVG Tiny-PS.
• Have a square format (min. 96×96 px).
• Be under 32 KB.
• Include a <desc> tag.
• Be securely hosted via HTTPS.

Step 3: Obtain a VMC (Optional)

While optional, Gmail and Apple require a VMC certificate from an approved Certificate Authority (CA).

Step 4: Create Your BIMI TXT Record in your domain DNS settings:

1. Name: default._bimi.example.com
2. Value: v=BIMI1; l=https://yourdomain.com/logo.svg; a=https://yourdomain.com/cert.pem;
3. Verify your setup using our Mailcracker BIMI lookup tool

6. Troubleshooting Common Errors

• No enforced DMARC: Enforce your DMARC policy strictly.
• SVG issues: Confirm SVG compliance (size, tags, formatting).
• Missing VMC: Required for logo display in Gmail and Apple Mail.
• Low domain reputation: Improve engagement metrics and email practices.

7. Benefits & ROI of BIMI

• Increased brand visibility: Your emails stand out with recognizable logos.
• Enhanced trust and deliverability: Boost open rates and reduce phishing risks.
• Unified email security: Complements existing DMARC/SPF/DKIM setups.

8. FAQ

Is BIMI free?

Yes, BIMI itself is free. However, VMC certificates require purchasing and can take 6–12 months to obtain.

Can Gmail show BIMI without VMC?

No, Gmail requires a VMC. Yahoo may display your logo without one.

Will BIMI boost email performance?

Yes, BIMI significantly improves open rates, click-through rates, and brand trust.

What if I manage multiple brands?

Use BIMI selectors (selector._bimi.yourdomain.com) to handle multiple logos/domains.

9. Next Steps

• ✅ Set up strict DMARC enforcement using Mailcracker DMARC lookup.
• ✅ Generate your compliant SVG logo.
• ✅ Securely host your SVG and VMC.
• ✅ Publish and validate your BIMI record via Mailcracker BIMI checker.

10. Useful Internal Links

• Mailcracker BIMI Lookup
• Mailcracker DMARC Lookup
• Improve Email Deliverability (Blog)
• Why Marketing Emails Go to Spam (Blog)
• Ultimate Guide to Email Inbox Placement (Blog)

Implementing BIMI positions your brand as secure, trustworthy, and professional—start enhancing your email strategy today!