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If your emails from Sternhost aren’t reaching inboxes, land in spam, or bounce back, you’re not alone. Email delivery issues are common but can usually be resolved quickly with a few checks and adjustments.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• Why emails go to spam

• What causes bounces

• How blacklists affect delivery

• Steps to diagnose and fix email delivery problems

🚫 1. Why Emails Go to Spam

Emails may land in the spam folder for several reasons:

• Sending from a free domain email like @gmail.com instead of your domain

• No SPF, DKIM, or DMARC records configured

• Overuse of spam-triggering words (e.g., “free,” “urgent”)

• Missing unsubscribe link in bulk messages

• Low domain reputation

✅ Fix:
Make sure your DNS has proper email authentication records:

• SPF: Verifies sending server

• DKIM: Verifies message integrity

• DMARC: Prevents spoofing

👉 Use Sternhost’s DNS Zone Editor in cPanel to manage these records.
📖 Learn How to Add SPF, DKIM, and DMARC Records

📭 2. Why Emails Bounce Back

If your email bounces, it means it wasn’t delivered at all. The bounce message often includes an error code:

Possible causes:

• Recipient’s mailbox is full or inactive

• Your domain or IP is blacklisted

• Sending to incorrect or outdated email address

✅ Fix:

• Double-check the recipient address

• Reduce attachments size

• Use Sternhost Webmail to test delivery

• Contact the recipient’s IT team if needed

🛑 3. Blacklisted IP or Domain

Your emails may be blocked because your sending IP or domain is on an email blacklist. This can happen if:

• A script on your site sends spam

• Your account was compromised

• Shared IP users abuse mail functions

✅ Fix:

• Check blacklist status at: mxtoolbox.com/blacklists.aspx

• If blacklisted, open a support ticket with Sternhost Support.

• Secure your website and email by scanning for malware and resetting passwords.

🔧 General Troubleshooting Checklist

✅ Authenticate with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC
✅ Use business emails (e.g., info@yourdomain.com)
✅ Avoid spammy subject lines
✅ Clean up your contact list regularly
✅ Don’t send unsolicited emails
✅ Keep your scripts and WordPress plugins updated

📨 Use Sternhost’s Email Tools

Sternhost offers powerful tools through cPanel:

• Email Deliverability tool to test SPF/DKIM

• Track Delivery to monitor email status

• Webmail for instant access

• Spam Filters for inbox protection

💬 Still Not Working?

Our expert support team is available to help you troubleshoot.
👉 Open a Support Ticket
👉 Or check our Email Tutorials

🔚 Final Note

Email delivery issues can be frustrating, but with the right tools and configuration, your emails will be more reliable than ever. With Sternhost, you’re backed by secure servers, built-in spam protection, and friendly support.