“Sender Verification Failed” is an error message that can occur in the context of email delivery and typically means that the sending email server failed to verify the sender’s identity or SPF (Sender Policy Framework) records. This issue often arises when receiving mail servers check the SPF records of the sending domain to determine if the sending server is authorized to send email on behalf of that domain.
Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the “Sender Verification Failed” issue on a cPanel server:
1. Check SPF Records:
Verify that the SPF (Sender Policy Framework) records for the domain from which the email is being sent are correctly configured. SPF records specify which servers are allowed to send email on behalf of your domain. You can check and update SPF records through your domain’s DNS settings or your cPanel control panel.
2. Correct DNS Configuration:
Ensure that the DNS records for the sending domain are configured correctly. This includes A (Address) and MX (Mail Exchange) records. Misconfigured DNS records can lead to sender verification failures.
3. DKIM Configuration:
If your server uses DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) for email authentication, ensure that DKIM is correctly configured for the sending domain. cPanel provides tools to set up DKIM for your domains.
4. Reverse DNS (rDNS) Records:
Check if your server’s IP address has a reverse DNS (rDNS) record configured. Some receiving mail servers may reject emails from servers without a valid rDNS record.
5. Check Sending IP Reputation:
Use online tools or services like MXToolbox or SenderScore to check the reputation of your server’s IP address. If your server’s IP is on a blacklist, it may result in sender verification failures.
6. SMTP Authentication:
Ensure that SMTP authentication is enabled for outgoing email on your cPanel server. This is important for verifying the identity of the sender.
7. Check for Email Spoofing:
Implement measures to prevent email spoofing, such as configuring DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) records.
8. Examine Email Headers:
Review the email headers of the rejected email. These headers often provide clues about why the sender verification failed.
9. Contact Your Hosting Provider:
If you are unable to resolve the issue on your own, contact your hosting provider or server administrator for assistance. They may be able to provide more specific guidance and resolve the issue at the server level.
Remember that email server configurations can vary, so the exact steps to resolve the “Sender Verification Failed” issue may depend on your specific setup. Additionally, it’s important to keep your server’s software and cPanel up to date to benefit from the latest security and email authentication improvements.
