Unable to send emails due to color contrast

Topic summary

Multiple Shopify store owners are encountering a new error preventing email sends due to “unsubscribe link color contrast” issues, despite previously working templates.

Common Problem:

  • Error appears when attempting to review/send marketing emails
  • Affects stores that haven’t changed their email templates
  • Issue emerged suddenly around late February 2024

Attempted Solutions:

  • Changing unsubscribe link colors (white to black, various shades)
  • Switching to plain text emails
  • Using true black (#000000) on white backgrounds

Key Finding:
One user discovered the issue wasn’t the unsubscribe link itself, but other text elements in the email lacking sufficient contrast. Another found hidden text matching the background color. The error message may be misleading about which specific element needs adjustment.

Current Status:

  • Some users resolved it by checking all text elements for proper contrast
  • Others still experiencing issues despite meeting contrast requirements
  • Shopify support has escalated at least one case, acknowledging the contrast appears adequate
  • Frustration expressed about unclear compliance requirements and lack of specific guidance on which elements are failing

Recommendation: Systematically review every text element in the email template for contrast issues, not just the unsubscribe link.

Summarized with AI on October 30. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.

I had the same issue, just put them as black #00000