How to Get a Verified Email Badge with S/MIME for Credibility and Security

You know how frustrating it is when emails you send end up in someone’s spam folder or seem suspicious? Here’s a straightforward solution: use an S/MIME certificate to add a verified badge to your emails. It’s a powerful yet simple way to build trust with clients and improve email security. But before jumping into the setup steps, let’s break down what S/MIME actually is, why it’s important, and how you can get that coveted verified badge.

What is S/MIME and Why Do You Need It?

S/MIME stands for Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions. In simple terms, it’s a tool that adds two key things to your emails, identity verification and encryption.

Identity Verification: When you use S/MIME, recipients see a verified badge or notification that proves your email is authentic and from you, not someone pretending to be you.

Encryption: S/MIME also encrypts your emails, meaning only the intended recipient can read the message, keeping your information safe from prying eyes.

Why does this matter? When you send emails for business or other important matters, S/MIME boosts trust and security. Recipients instantly know the email is genuinely from you and can feel safe opening and responding to it.

Step 1: Get Your Free S/MIME Certificate

To get started, you’ll need an S/MIME certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). Some providers offer free S/MIME certificates, and a popular option is Actalis.

1. Visit a Certificate Authority: Go to a CA’s website like Actalis, which offers free S/MIME certificates.

2. Register with Your Information: Fill in your details, including the email address you want to secure.

3. Verify Your Email: After registering, check your inbox for a verification email and follow the link to confirm your identity.

4. Receive Your Certificate: Once verified, the CA will email you the S/MIME certificate file or you can download at dashboard.

Step 2: Install Your S/MIME Certificate on macOS, iOS, or Windows

Now that you have your S/MIME certificate, let’s add it to your email client so it’s ready to go.

For macOS (Apple Mail):

1. Open the email with your S/MIME certificate on your Mac.

2. Click the certificate file to add it to your Mac’s Keychain (Apple’s secure place for credentials).

3. Open the Mail app, add downloaded certificate in setting / security. Compose a new email, and look for the “Signed” checkmark icon. This indicates that your email is now verified.

For iOS (Mail App):

1. Email the certificate file to your iPhone or iPad or downloaded certificate.

2. Tap the certificate file, and follow the prompts to install it.

3. When composing an email in the Mail app, check for the “Signed” icon to confirm your email will be verified and secure.

Step 3: Start Sending Verified, Secure Emails

With everything in place, it’s time to send your first verified email:

1. Compose a new email in your configured client.

2. Enable the "Sign" or "Encrypt" option (look for a checkmark or similar icon).

3. Send the email as usual. Recipients will now see a verified badge or notification, letting them know the email is secure and truly from you.

An S/MIME certificate isn’t just for tech experts. It's a simple, smart tool for anyone who wants to add credibility and security to their emails. With a verified badge, your emails look professional, and recipients can feel confident that they’re dealing with a trusted sender. Setting it up only takes a few steps, but it makes a big difference for your online reputation and email security.

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