> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.rox.com/development/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.rox.com/development/user-guide/sequences/understanding-email-open-tracking.md).

# Understanding Email Open Tracking

Learn what recorded opens mean, why counts can be inflated, and how to use them when reviewing sequence performance.

Email open tracking records when a small tracking image in your email loads. That load can come from a person, an automated security scan, or your own view of a sent message. A recorded open therefore does not confirm that the intended recipient read the email.

### Why are my open counts inflated?

Two common sources can increase recorded opens without prospect engagement:

| Source          | How it affects tracking                                                                                                       |
| --------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Automated scans | Email servers and security tools can load the tracking image while checking messages for spam or malicious content.           |
| Self-opens      | Opening your own message in your mailbox’s Sent folder, such as in Gmail or Outlook, can load the image and register an open. |

Open tracking cannot reliably distinguish these loads from a recipient opening the message. An unusually high open rate may reflect scanning activity rather than unusually high interest.

### How Rox filters early opens

Rox excludes opens that occur within five seconds of sending to reduce automated scan activity in reported results.

This filter does not remove every automated open. Security tools can load the image later, and an open recorded after five seconds does not establish that a person read the email.

### How to interpret the results

Use opens as a directional signal when deciding which conversations to review or prioritize.

Several recorded opens on one email may be more useful than a single open or the overall open rate. However, repeated scans and self-opens can also contribute to that count. No number of recorded opens confirms that the prospect is interested.

Review opens alongside other outcomes:

* **Replies:** Read the response to understand whether the prospect is interested, has an objection, or wants no further outreach.
* **Contacts marked interested:** Use this status to track conversations identified as potential opportunities.
* **Meetings booked:** Review whether outreach is leading to a concrete next step.

When investigating unexpected counts, consider whether you opened the message in Sent mail and whether automated scanning could explain the activity. Avoid treating an open notification alone as a reason to assume the prospect has read your message.

### Do custom tracking domains improve accuracy?

A custom tracking domain changes the domain used for tracking requests. It does not identify who loaded the tracking image or exclude automated scans and self-opens.

The same measurement limitations apply whether you use a custom tracking domain or the default tracking domain.