Okta User Does Not Receive Activation Email

An administrator creates a new user in Okta, but the user does not receive the account activation email. This issue occurs when the email template audience is incorrect, the API call lacks the proper parameter, or the email address is on the bounce list. Resolve this by verifying the template settings, appending the correct API parameter, or removing the email from the bounce list.

• Okta Identity Engine (OIE)
• Okta Classic Engine
• Activation Emails

The activation email fails to deliver due to one of three reasons: the email template Audience excludes some users, the API call omits the sendEmail parameter or sets it to false, or the Okta bounce list contains the recipient email address due to negative marks from email servers.

How can Okta Administrators resolve activation email delivery issues?

Verify the email template settings, adjust the API call parameters, and clear the bounce list to ensure successful email delivery.

1. Set the email template Audience to All users.
2. When using an Okta API to perform a password reset, set the sendEmail value to true. For example:

   /api/v1/users/<userID>/lifecycle/reset_password?sendEmail=true

3. Remove the email address from the bounce list by following the instructions in the How to Unblock an Email Address From the Okta Email Address Bounce List via API article.

How can Okta Administrators prevent email servers from blocking Okta emails?

Implement inbox placement tests, configure a Sender Policy Framework, and manage email volume consistency to prevent email servers from blocking Okta emails.

• Run inbox placement and spam filtering tests.
• Set up a Sender Policy Framework (SPF).
• Avoid sending an inconsistent volume of emails.

NOTE: If the previous actions do not unblock the email address, Okta Administrators should open a ticket with Okta Support for further investigation. End Users should contact the Okta Administrator.