What is an email redirect?

An email redirect sends the message to a new address while keeping the original sender visible. It differs from forwarding, which shows a new sender.

From a deliverability perspective, redirects can create confusion in DMARC reports because the authentication check happens at the final destination. Since the message appears to come from the original domain but is delivered through another system, it can trigger alignment failures if the redirecting server is not properly authenticated. This can result in legitimate mail being flagged or quarantined.

Because this DMARC-breaking problem is so common with mailing lists and forwarders, a newer standard called ARC (Authenticated Received Chain) was created. It acts like a notary that re-seals the message at each hop, preserving the original authentication result for the final receiver.

It is like rerouting cargo mid journey without repainting the ship's name, which can make customs unsure which captain is truly responsible.