## What does a Yellow status in Microsoft SNDS mean and what should I do about it?

Microsoft’s Smart Network Data Services (SNDS) uses a traffic light system:

- **Green** = Good reputation
- **Yellow** = Potential issues
- **Red** = Serious problems

**If you’re seeing Yellow status:**

1.  **Check for recent changes:**

- Sudden increases in sending volume
- Higher than normal complaint rates
- Low engagement (opens/clicks)

1.  **Take these actions:**

- Maintain consistent sending volumes
- Remove unengaged subscribers
- Monitor complaint rates
- Ensure content is relevant and expected
- Verify authentication is properly configured

Yellow status often improves within a few days if you follow these practices.

**Note:** Want up-to-date deliverability tips? Check Email’s Email Deliverability Guide in our documentation.

## what-is-an-oob-bounce

An “Out of Band” (OOB) bounce happens when an email is initially accepted by the receiving server but rejected later. Think of it like a letter being accepted at a post office but returned days later.

Out of Band bounces do not have a RFC standard, therefore we do not receive the same details for an OOB as an in-band bounce - we are reliant on what the mailbox provider tells us.

**Common reasons for OOB bounces:**

- The email address was found to be invalid
- The mailbox became full
- The message triggered spam filters after deeper analysis
- The recipient server’s policies changed after initial acceptance

## How can I get my emails to land in Gmail's Primary tab instead of Promotions?

Gmail’s tab placement is determined by their algorithms based on many factors:

- Content type and formatting
- User engagement history
- Sending patterns
- Authentication status
- Previous user interactions with your emails

**While you can’t directly control tab placement, these practices may help:**

- Send personalized, relevant content
- Maintain consistent authentication
- Encourage recipients to move your emails to Primary
- Focus on engagement-driven content

## Why isn't my domain receiving emails from Email?

**To troubleshoot missing emails:  
**

1.  Log into your Email account and check **Signals**:

- Look for attempted deliveries to your domain
- Check bounce reasons if deliveries are failing
- Review Message Events for specific error messages

1.  **Common issues to check:**

- DNS configuration for your domain
- Spam filter settings
- Server acceptance policies
- Full mailboxes or other technical blocks

## Why are my emails being blocked or delayed by Microsoft/Hotmail?

\*\*There are several potential reasons for Microsoft delivery issues. Here’s how to diagnose and fix them:

\*\*

1.  **First, check your metrics in Email Signals:**

- If your bounce rate is above 2%, you’ll need to clean your lists.
- If spam complaints are above 0.1%, review your content and opt-in practices.
- Look at your delayed rates to Microsoft domains.
- Check Message Events for specific Microsoft bounce codes.
- \[Optional with Inbox Tracker\] Review reputation using SNDS or GPT.

1.  **Next, review any recent changes:**

- Have you sent more email than usual?
- Did you change your email content?
- Are you mailing to new lists?
- Did you modify your authentication settings?

1.  **To resolve the issue:**

- Verify your authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) in Email’s Domains section.
- Remove inactive subscribers (no engagement for 6+ months).
- Stop sending to bounced addresses.
- Process unsubscribes immediately.
- Keep your sending volume consistent.
- Include clear unsubscribe links.
- Use clear subject lines.
- Include your physical mailing address.

**Contact Email Support if:**

- You’ve completed all these steps.
- Your metrics are within normal ranges.
- Issues continue for more than 48 hours.
- You see unusual bounce codes.
- You need SNDS data for your dedicated IPs.

Most blocks clear automatically within 24-48 hours if you follow good sending practices.