Fix: SendGrid Email Sending Errors
Why This Matters
When emails fail to send through SendGrid, your communications stop reaching contacts and your campaigns can't run. SendGrid errors typically stem from account provisioning issues, billing problems, or incorrect API configuration. Understanding how to diagnose and resolve these errors quickly minimizes disruption to your email marketing.
Most SendGrid errors can be resolved by verifying your account status and ensuring the API integration is configured correctly. This troubleshooting process walks you through checking both SendGrid and your CRM settings to identify and fix the problem.
Common Causes and Solutions
SendGrid Account Not Fully Provisioned
New SendGrid accounts require time for initial provisioning and verification. The account may not be ready to send emails immediately after signup.
Solution: Wait 24-48 hours after creating your SendGrid account before attempting to send emails. Check your SendGrid dashboard for any pending verification steps or confirmation messages.
Billing or Payment Issues
Expired credit cards, declined payments, or unpaid invoices prevent SendGrid from processing email sends.
Solution: Sign in to your SendGrid account at sendgrid.com and navigate to Settings > Billing. Verify that your payment method is current and that no outstanding balance exists. Update payment information if needed and resolve any billing errors shown in your account.
Incorrect API Key Configuration
The API key connecting your CRM to SendGrid may be incorrect, expired, or created with insufficient permissions.
Solution: Verify your API key is entered correctly in the CRM. If you're unsure whether the key is valid, create a new API key in SendGrid with full sending permissions and update the integration in your CRM settings.
SendGrid Account Suspended or Restricted
SendGrid may suspend accounts that violate their terms of service, send to invalid email lists, or generate high spam complaint rates.
Solution: Check your SendGrid account dashboard for any suspension notices or warnings. Address any compliance issues, clean your email list of invalid addresses, and contact SendGrid support if your account has been restricted.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Sign In to SendGrid
Navigate to sendgrid.com and sign in to your SendGrid account using your credentials.
This gives you access to your account status, billing information, and any error messages SendGrid has generated.
2. Verify Account Status
Check your SendGrid dashboard for any alerts, warnings, or status messages indicating problems with your account.
New accounts may display provisioning status. Look for messages indicating your account is active and in good standing.
3. Check Billing Information
Navigate to Settings > Billing in your SendGrid account and verify your payment information is current.
Ensure no outstanding balances exist and that your credit card or payment method hasn't expired. Update payment details if necessary.
4. Resolve SendGrid Error Messages
If your SendGrid dashboard shows any error messages, warnings, or required actions, address these before proceeding.
Common issues include incomplete account verification, missing sender authentication, or policy violations that need attention.
5. Access Integration Settings in Your CRM
Once your SendGrid account shows active and error-free, return to the CRM and navigate to Settings. In the bottom-left Advanced section, select SendGrid Integration.
This opens the integration configuration panel where you can verify and update your API connection.
6. Verify API Key Configuration
Check that your SendGrid API key is entered correctly in the integration settings. The key should be a long alphanumeric string starting with "SG."
If you're unsure whether the current key is valid, create a new API key in SendGrid with full mail send permissions and replace the existing key in your CRM settings.
7. Save and Test
After verifying all settings, save your changes and send a test email from your CRM to a contact you control.
Confirm the email is received successfully. Check both inbox and spam folders to ensure delivery.
Questions and Answers
Q: How do I create a new SendGrid API key?
A: In your SendGrid account, go to Settings > API Keys > Create API Key. Give it a descriptive name, select "Full Access" or at minimum "Mail Send" permissions, and copy the generated key immediately. You won't be able to view it again after closing the dialog.
Q: Why does my new SendGrid account say emails are queued but not sending?
A: New accounts undergo a provisioning period where SendGrid verifies your account and sender reputation. This typically takes 24-48 hours. Emails may queue during this time and send once provisioning completes.
Q: What should I do if SendGrid suspended my account?
A: Contact SendGrid support directly to understand why your account was suspended and what steps are required to restore it. Common reasons include sending to purchased lists, high bounce rates, or spam complaints. You may need to clean your contact list and provide documentation about your sending practices.
Q: Can I test if my API key is working without sending an email?
A: Yes, SendGrid provides an API key testing feature in their dashboard. Go to Settings > API Keys, click on your key, and use the "Test Your API Key" option to verify it's active and has the correct permissions.
Q: How long does it take for API key changes to take effect?
A: API key updates are immediate. Once you save a new API key in your CRM integration settings, it becomes active right away. If emails still fail after updating, the issue likely lies elsewhere in your SendGrid account configuration.
Q: What permissions does my SendGrid API key need?
A: Your API key needs at minimum "Mail Send" permissions to send emails. For full functionality, "Full Access" is recommended. When creating the key in SendGrid, select the appropriate permission level before generating it.
Q: Will fixing SendGrid errors resend failed emails automatically?
A: No, emails that failed due to SendGrid errors are not automatically resent once you fix the problem. You'll need to resend campaigns or individual emails manually after resolving the integration issues.
Guide Type: Fixes & Troubleshooting
Estimated Time: 15 minutes