Enable automatic image downloads in Gmail to improve email tracking accuracy. When images load automatically, ContactMonkey can capture open rates more reliably, giving you better insights into recipient engagement.
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Why Images Are Blocked by Default
Outlook blocks images in emails from unknown senders as a security measure. Recipients must manually download them each time they open your email. This blocking prevents ContactMonkey from tracking email opens accurately because the tracking pixel (a small image) cannot load.
Enable Automatic Image Display
Follow these steps to configure Gmail to always show images:
- Open Gmail and click the gear icon in the top right corner
- Select See all settings from the dropdown menu
- Scroll down to the Images section
- Select Always display external images
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Save Changes

Once enabled, all images in incoming emails will display automatically without requiring manual approval.
Troubleshooting Image Display Issues
Images still not showing
If images don't display after enabling this setting, check if Gmail flagged the sender as suspicious. You'll see a prompt asking if you want to display images for that specific sender.
Setting won't save
Ensure you clicked Save Changes at the bottom of the Settings page. If the setting still reverts, your Gmail administrator may have restricted this option through organizational policies.
Some images load, others don't
Individual emails may have broken image links or formatting issues unrelated to your Gmail settings. Contact the sender if specific images consistently fail to load.