Email Header

Also known as: Message Header, Email Metadata

An email header is the technical information attached to every email that shows where it came from and how it moved between servers. It also records checks that help decide whether the message is safe and legitimate.

An email header is the hidden wrapper around every email that holds the technical details. It records who sent the message, who should receive it, and when it was sent. It also logs each server that handled the email on the way to the inbox. Most people never see it, but it is always there.

Email providers use the header to check if a message is safe and genuine. They look at things like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC results to confirm that the sender is real. The header also shows the path the email took, which helps spot spammy behavior or strange routing. Strong and consistent headers make it easier for your messages to land in the inbox instead of spam.

If you run into deliverability issues, reading the header can save a lot of time. You can confirm which domain actually sent the message, see whether authentication passed, and spot configuration mistakes. Many email clients offer a simple view that shows the full header so you can share it with support teams. Keeping an eye on these details helps you catch problems early and protect your sender reputation.