Bounce mail meaning
"Bounce mail" is a term used in email and internet communication to describe an email message that is returned to the sender because it cannot be delivered to the intended recipient.
There are several reasons why an email might bounce, including:
- Invalid email address: The email address of the recipient is incorrect, non-existent, or has been disabled.
- Domain name system (DNS) issues: The DNS settings for the recipient's domain are incorrect or not properly configured, preventing the email from being delivered.
- Mail server issues: The mail server of the recipient is down, experiencing technical difficulties, or is not properly configured.
- Spam filters: The email is flagged as spam by the recipient's email provider or their email client, and is therefore bounced back to the sender.
- Email attachment issues: The email attachment is too large, in an unsupported format, or is infected with malware, causing the email to bounce.
When an email bounces, the sender typically receives a "bounce message" or "non-delivery report" (NDR) that explains why the email could not be delivered. The bounce message may include information such as:
- The email address of the recipient that caused the bounce
- The reason for the bounce (e.g., invalid email address, DNS issues, etc.)
- A suggestion for how to resolve the issue (e.g., checking the recipient's email address, contacting their email provider, etc.)
Bounced emails can be frustrating for senders, but they can also help identify and resolve issues with email delivery.