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Troubleshooting Guide

Common issues and solutions for the email system.

Domain Verification Issues

DNS Records Not Verifying

Symptoms:

  • Domain status stuck on "Pending Verification"
  • Verification fails repeatedly

Solutions:

  1. Check DNS Propagation:

    • DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate
    • Use DNS checker tools to verify records are live
    • Wait 24-48 hours after adding records
  2. Verify Record Values:

    • Ensure DNS records match exactly (case-sensitive)
    • Check for trailing spaces or extra characters
    • Verify record type (TXT, MX, etc.)
  3. Check DNS Provider:

    • Some providers have delays in DNS updates
    • Verify records are saved correctly in DNS panel
    • Try removing and re-adding records
  4. Use Check Status:

    • Click "Check Status" to refresh without triggering verification
    • Click "Verify" to actively check verification

Domain Verification Failed

Symptoms:

  • Domain status shows "Verification Failed"
  • DNS records appear correct

Solutions:

  1. Re-check DNS Records:

    • Verify all required records are present
    • Check record values are correct
    • Ensure records have propagated
  2. Wait for Propagation:

    • DNS changes can take time
    • Wait 24-48 hours before re-verifying
  3. Contact Support:

    • If records are correct and propagated, contact support
    • Provide domain name and DNS record screenshots

Email Delivery Issues

Emails Not Sending

Symptoms:

  • Workflow executes but no email sent
  • Email logs show "failed" status

Solutions:

  1. Check SMTP Configuration:

    • Verify SMTP credentials are correct
    • Use Test Connection button in Settings to verify SMTP settings
    • Review enhanced error messages for specific guidance:
      • Authentication errors: Check username/password, use app passwords for Gmail/Outlook
      • Connection timeout: Verify host/port, check firewall settings
      • SSL/TLS errors: Toggle Secure setting, try different ports
    • Check SMTP server allows sending from your IP
  2. Enhanced Error Messages:

    • When SMTP connection fails, you'll see detailed error messages with:
      • Specific Error: What went wrong (e.g., "SMTP authentication failed")
      • Actionable Steps: Step-by-step instructions to resolve
      • Documentation Links: Direct links to setup guides
    • Follow the resolution steps provided in the error message
  3. Check Email Logs:

    • Review email_logs table for error messages
    • Check for rate limiting or authentication errors
    • Verify from email address is valid
  4. Check SMTP Priority:

    • Verify correct SMTP config is being used
    • Check Emailit credentials if using custom domain
    • Verify default SMTP is configured if no tenant config

Emails Going to Spam

Symptoms:

  • Emails sent but not received
  • Emails in spam folder

Solutions:

  1. SPF/DKIM Records:

    • Ensure SPF records are configured
    • Add DKIM records if available
    • Verify domain reputation
  2. From Address:

    • Use verified domain for from address
    • Avoid generic addresses (noreply@)
    • Use recognizable sender name
  3. Email Content:

    • Avoid spam trigger words
    • Include unsubscribe links
    • Use proper email formatting

Workflow Issues

Workflow Not Matching

Symptoms:

  • Emails not processed by expected workflow
  • General inquiry workflow matching instead

Solutions:

  1. Check Workflow Status:

    • Verify workflow is Active
    • Check workflow priority
    • Ensure workflow goal matches email content
  2. Check Priority:

    • Higher priority workflows checked first
    • General inquiry should have low priority (0)
    • Specific workflows should have higher priority (5-10)
  3. Check Goal Matching:

    • Verify email contains keywords for goal type
    • Lead capture: pricing, quote, interested, budget
    • Helpdesk: support, help, issue, problem
    • General inquiry matches all emails
  4. Test Matching:

    • Use Test Match feature in workflow editor or conversation details
    • Enter sample email subject/body to see which workflow would match
    • Review matching explanation and keywords that triggered match
    • Check competing workflows and why they didn't match
    • Adjust priority or goal type based on test results

Workflow Not Executing

Symptoms:

  • Workflow matches but no response sent
  • Steps not executing

Solutions:

  1. Check Workflow Steps:

    • Verify steps are configured correctly
    • Check step conditions (if any)
    • Ensure "Send Response" step is present
  2. Check Auto-Response:

    • Verify workflow has auto_respond enabled
    • Check "Send Response" step is configured
    • Verify response template or AI is working
  3. Check Logs:

    • Review webhook_logs for errors
    • Check conversation logs for execution details
    • Look for error messages in logs

AI Response Not Generating

Symptoms:

  • Template response used instead of AI
  • Error messages about AI generation

Solutions:

  1. Check API Keys:

    • Verify OpenAI API key is configured
    • Check API key is valid and has credits
    • Verify API key has correct permissions
  2. Check Context:

    • Ensure workflow context is provided
    • Verify context library entries are active
    • Check context is not too long (may hit token limits)
  3. Check AI Service:

    • Verify AI service is accessible
    • Check for rate limiting
    • Review API error messages in logs

IMAP Polling Issues

Emails Not Being Polled

Symptoms:

  • Emails in mailbox but not processed
  • No conversations created

Solutions:

  1. Check IMAP Configuration:

    • Verify IMAP settings are correct
    • Test IMAP connection
    • Check IMAP is enabled
  2. Check Polling Status:

    • Verify IMAP worker is running
    • Check polling interval
    • Review worker logs for errors
  3. Check Email Forwarding:

    • Verify emails are forwarded to webhook
    • Check webhook endpoint is accessible
    • Review webhook logs for errors

IMAP Connection Errors

Symptoms:

  • IMAP connection fails
  • Polling stops working

Solutions:

  1. Check Credentials:

    • Verify username and password are correct
    • Check for special characters in password
    • Use Test IMAP Connection button to verify settings
    • Review enhanced error messages for specific guidance:
      • Authentication errors: Verify username/password, use app passwords
      • Connection timeout: Check host/port settings
    • Try re-entering credentials
  2. Enhanced Error Messages:

    • When IMAP connection fails, you'll see detailed error messages with:
      • Specific Error: What went wrong
      • Actionable Steps: Step-by-step instructions to resolve
      • Documentation Links: Direct links to setup guides
    • Follow the resolution steps provided in the error message
  3. Check Server Settings:

    • Verify IMAP host and port are correct
    • Check if SSL/TLS is required
    • Test connection from email client
  4. Check Firewall:

    • Ensure IMAP port is not blocked
    • Check for IP restrictions
    • Verify network connectivity

Cross-Channel Context Issues

Context Not Appearing

Symptoms:

  • Previous conversations not referenced
  • AI doesn't mention past interactions

Solutions:

  1. Check Contact Matching:

    • Verify email/phone matches across channels
    • Check contact_data is extracted correctly
    • Ensure conversations are linked properly
  2. Check Context Generation:

    • Verify AI API keys are configured
    • Check context generation is not failing
    • Review logs for context generation errors
  3. Check Time Window:

    • Context only includes last 90 days
    • Older conversations not included
    • Check conversation dates

Performance Issues

Slow Email Processing

Symptoms:

  • Emails take long time to process
  • Delayed responses

Solutions:

  1. Check Workflow Complexity:

    • Simplify workflow steps
    • Reduce context size
    • Optimize step conditions
  2. Check AI Response Time:

    • AI generation can take 5-10 seconds
    • Consider using templates for faster responses
    • Check AI service status
  3. Check Database Performance:

    • Review database query performance
    • Check for slow queries
    • Optimize database indexes

No Agent Assigned to Email

Symptoms:

  • Email processed but no response sent
  • Error message: "No agent available to process email"

Solutions:

  1. Check Default Email Agent:

    • Navigate to Assistants page
    • Ensure at least one agent is marked as "Default for Email"
    • Or ensure a general default assistant exists
  2. Check Workflow Agent Assignment:

    • If using workflows, verify workflow has an agent assigned
    • Or ensure routing rules are configured
  3. Verify Agent Configuration:

    • Ensure agents have valid system prompts
    • Check agents are active and not deleted

Agent Responses Not Natural

Symptoms:

  • Responses sound too template-like
  • Responses don't adapt to email content

Solutions:

  1. Review System Prompt:

    • Ensure system prompt encourages natural, conversational responses
    • Avoid overly prescriptive instructions
    • Include examples of desired tone
  2. Check Workflow Context:

    • Workflow context should be guidance, not a template
    • Avoid using template variables in context
    • Let agent adapt context naturally
  3. Review Response Template:

    • Templates are guidance, not literal templates
    • Agent should adapt template tone/structure
    • Don't expect exact template variable substitution

Emails Not Being Sent (Queued)

Symptoms:

  • Responses generated but not received
  • Emails stuck in queue

Solutions:

  1. Check Email Queue Worker:

    • Verify email queue worker is running
    • Check worker logs for errors
    • Restart worker if needed: npm run worker in api directory
  2. Check Queue Status:

    • Review email_queue table for pending emails
    • Check scheduled_at times (should be 5-15 minutes from creation)
    • Verify status is 'pending' not 'failed'
  3. Check SMTP Configuration:

    • Verify SMTP settings are correct
    • Test SMTP connection
    • Check for rate limiting or blocking

Agent Handoffs Not Working

Symptoms:

  • Routing rules not triggering handoffs
  • Emails not transferred to correct agent

Solutions:

  1. Verify Routing Rules:

    • Check routing rules include 'email' in channels
    • Verify trigger keywords match email content
    • Check rule priority and active status
  2. Check Agent Availability:

    • Ensure target agent exists and is active
    • Verify agent belongs to same tenant
    • Check agent has valid configuration
  3. Review Handoff History:

    • Check conversation metadata for handoff history
    • Verify handoff messages are being sent
    • Review handoff reasons in conversation details

Signature Issues

Symptoms:

  • Signatures missing from emails
  • Duplicate signatures
  • Incorrect agent name

Solutions:

  1. Check Agent Configuration:

    • Verify agent name is set correctly
    • Check email_signature field if using custom signature
    • Ensure agent is assigned to conversation
  2. Review Signature Generation:

    • Signatures are automatically appended
    • Don't include signature in system prompt
    • Custom signature is optional

Delayed Responses Not Working

Symptoms:

  • Emails sent immediately instead of delayed
  • No delay between receiving and sending

Solutions:

  1. Check Queue Worker:

    • Verify email queue worker is running
    • Check worker is processing queue
    • Review worker logs for errors
  2. Check Queue Configuration:

    • Verify emails are being queued (check email_queue table)
    • Check scheduled_at times are in future
    • Ensure status is 'pending'
  3. Verify Delay Calculation:

    • Delays are random between 5-15 minutes
    • Check scheduled_at is 5-15 minutes after created_at
    • Review queue service logs

Getting Additional Help

If issues persist:

  1. Check Logs:

    • Review webhook_logs table
    • Check application logs
    • Look for error messages
    • Review email_queue table for queued emails
  2. Review Documentation:

  3. Contact Support:

    • Provide error messages
    • Include relevant logs
    • Describe steps to reproduce
    • Include agent and workflow configurations

autoch.at Documentation