What are email headers? #
Email headers are the hidden technical details that accompany every email message. They contain metadata such as the sender’s IP address, the email’s route through multiple servers, and various time stamps. They also include authentication details like DKIM, SPF, or DMARC results. This information helps verify the sender’s identity, track the email’s path, and diagnose issues related to spam or delivery failures
Email headers typically include several lines of technical data. They feature ‘Received‘ lines that detail every server the email passed through, along with the ‘Message-ID,’ ‘Subject,’ and ‘From‘ fields. This in-depth information can help confirm the legitimacy of the email. It also provides clues about any anomalies, such as unusual routing or spoofed sender addresses.
At Network Dynamics, we recognise that many users need to troubleshoot emails—especially when dealing with spam or suspicious sender behaviour. That’s why we often request a copy of the email headers when investigating such enquiries.
By examining these headers, you can quickly pinpoint where an email originated. You can also identify any misconfigurations or security issues that might be affecting its delivery.
How to view email headers #
Locating email headers will vary between mail programs. MX Toolbox, a popular online platform that provides free domain/email diagnostic tools, offers an excellent article that explains how to view headers using many common email applications.
You can view their helpful guide and Email Header Analyser tool here:
Summary #
- Email headers are a list of details that contain metadata about an email, including the sender, recipient, date, subject, and routing details/delivery path .
- Viewing email headers differs based on the email app you’re using
- MX Toolbox has excellent resources and info on getting headers from many popular email apps