TL;DR
If Google or lemlist pauses your sending: Reduce daily volume (Settings → Schedules - start at 100 emails/day), set up custom tracking domain (Settings → Custom tracking domain), disable open tracking on short emails (Campaign Settings → Tracking), and verify DNS records (SPF/DKIM configured). Use Google Workspace (not free Gmail), gradually increase volume on new domains, and send clean, compliant content. Test with small batch - if delivers without warnings, issue resolved.
Symptoms
Warning email from lemlist about unusual activity or temporary pause
Google rejects emails with "blocked" status in logs
Emails stop sending despite leads launched and scheduled correctly
Sudden drop in deliverability or spike in bounce rate
Account automatically blocked after second flag from lemlist monitoring
Environment
Applies to:
Users sending cold email via lemlist using Google Workspace or Gmail
New senders ramping up volume quickly
Users with free/trial Google accounts
Accounts with high send rates, no custom tracking domain, or missing DNS records
Step-by-Step Fix
1. Reduce daily sending volume
Go to Settings → Sending limits
Set a daily limit to 100 emails per day (for fully warmed up mailboxes)
✅ Verify: Check Settings → Limits - daily quota below limit, schedule doesn't exceed it
2. Set up a custom tracking domain
Go to Settings → Custom tracking domain
Add subdomain (e.g., links.yourdomain.com)
Create DNS records at your domain provider:
CNAME record pointing to lemlist
Wait for DNS propagation (up to 24 hours)
Verify in lemlist
✅ Verify: Custom tracking domain shows Active status, link tracking works
3. Disable open tracking for short emails
For one-sentence or very short emails:
Go to Campaign Settings → Tracking
Toggle "Track opens" OFF for short email steps
Prevents tracking pixel flagging spam filters
✅ Verify: Toggle is grey/off, short emails deliver normally
4. Use a professional domain with proper DNS
Switch from free Gmail:
Don't send from
@gmail.comUse Google Workspace with a custom domain
Configure DNS records:
Verify SPF record is configured correctly
Verify DKIM record is configured correctly
Add DMARC record (optional but recommended)
Check DNS at your domain registrar or use MXToolbox
✅ Verify: DNS tools show SPF and DKIM as valid, test emails reach inbox
5. Ramp up volume gradually
For new domains:
Start with 10-20 emails per day
Increase by 10-20% weekly
Reach 100 emails/day after 3-4 weeks
Avoid trial accounts:
Don't send from the Google Workspace free trial
Wait until the account is fully activated and paid
✅ Verify: Campaign reports show a gradual volume increase, no warnings
6. Send clean, compliant content
Avoid spam triggers:
No excessive formatting
Limit images
Avoid spam words ("FREE", "Act now", etc.)
Include required elements:
Physical address in footer
Unsubscribe option (reply with "unsubscribe" or link)
Use proper list hygiene:
Send only to engaged, opted-in recipients
Remove bounces immediately
✅ Verify: Spam testing tools show low scores, normal open rates
Confirm It's Fixed
✓ Campaign schedule within recommended limits, not exceeding quota
✓ Custom tracking domain shows Active, link clicks tracked
✓ Open tracking disabled on short emails, deliverability improved
✓ SPF and DKIM validate successfully, test emails land in inbox
✓ Volume increased gradually without new warnings or blocks
✓ Content complies with best practices, recipients can unsubscribe
✓ No warning emails from lemlist or Google
Why It Happens
Google flags accounts for unusual sending patterns: sudden volume spikes, high bounce rates, missing authentication, or spam-like content. lemlist's monitoring system pauses accounts with risky activity to protect community deliverability.
Prevent this: Maintain consistent sending cadence, respect daily limits, use custom tracking domain, authenticate with SPF/DKIM, avoid free/trial accounts, ramp up gradually, write compliant emails, provide unsubscribe option.
Alternatives
Inbox rotation - Spread volume across multiple Google Workspace accounts using lemlist's inbox rotation feature (reduces load per sender)
Multiple domains - Agencies and high-volume senders can use several warmed-up domains to scale safely
Email warm-up - Use lemwarm to build domain reputation before scaling