Google Workspace emails going to spam? How to fix it
If customers say your emails end up in their junk folder, or invoices and quotes never arrive, the problem is usually not the message. It is the settings on your domain that tell other mail servers your email is genuine.
Last updated
The short answer
Google Workspace email usually goes to spam because the domain is missing one of three records: SPF, DKIM or DMARC. Turn on DKIM in the Google admin console, publish SPF and DKIM records in your DNS, add a DMARC record, and make sure every other service that sends as your domain (invoicing, booking, website forms) is included. Then test by sending to an outside address.
What SPF, DKIM and DMARC do
SPF lists which services may send email for your domain. DKIM adds a digital signature to each message. DMARC tells receiving servers what to do with mail that fails those checks. Gmail, Outlook and other large mail services now expect all three from business senders.
The usual causes
DKIM never set up
Until you generate a DKIM key in the admin console and publish it in DNS, Google signs your mail with a default key instead of your own domain.
SPF missing or wrong
SPF must include Google, and only one SPF record is allowed. Two records break it.
No DMARC record
Large mail providers increasingly expect a DMARC record from business domains.
Other services sending as you
Invoicing, CRM, booking systems and website forms need their own SPF or DKIM settings for your domain.
Domain or IP reputation
A hacked account or a mass mailing can damage reputation for a while after the cause is fixed.
Message content
Links to blocked sites, attachments and spam-like wording still play a part, but less than the records do.
Who this is for
- Businesses whose quotes and invoices are not reaching customers.
- Anyone recently moved to Google Workspace whose replies land in junk.
- Businesses using several tools that send email in the company's name.
How to fix it
- Check the current records. Look up the domain's SPF, DKIM and DMARC records and note which are missing.
- Turn on DKIM in Google. Generate the DKIM key in the admin console, publish it in DNS, then start authentication.
- Fix SPF and add DMARC. One SPF record that includes Google and your other senders, and a DMARC record starting in monitoring mode.
- Test and watch. Send to an outside Gmail and Outlook address, check the headers pass, then tighten DMARC over time.
How WaTo can help
- We set up and support Google Workspace for Adelaide businesses, from five users to fifty.
- We fix the problem and the setting that caused it, then explain it in plain English.
- Pay per job, or let us look after Workspace as part of ongoing support.
Email and spam questions
Why do my Google Workspace emails go to spam?
Most often because DKIM has not been set up for your domain, SPF is missing or duplicated, or there is no DMARC record. These tell other servers your email is genuine.
Where do I turn on DKIM in Google Workspace?
In the Google admin console under Gmail authentication. You generate a key, add it to your domain's DNS, then start authentication.
Can I have two SPF records?
No. A domain must have only one SPF record. If two exist, both fail. Combine them into one.
Our invoicing system's emails go to spam but Gmail is fine. Why?
The invoicing system sends as your domain from its own servers. It needs to be added to SPF and, ideally, given its own DKIM key.
How long until the fix works?
DNS changes usually take effect within hours. Reputation damage from an earlier problem can take a few weeks to clear.
How WaTo can help with this
- Business email problems
- Email deliverability and domain authentication
- Google Workspace setup and support
- Google Workspace help and support
- Google Workspace management
WaTo Consulting. Last reviewed 2026-10-05. Review when Google changes Workspace plans, prices or admin settings.
Emails still landing in junk?
Send us your domain name. We will check the records and fix what is missing.
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