Here are some common reasons MailChimp might be giving you errors when you're importing your list.
- Check your file type
If you chose the "upload my file" option, make sure it's a .txt (TEXT or Tab Delimited) file or .csv (Comma Separated) file that you're uploading, and not an Excel (.xls) or ACT! or some other file. We can only accept .txt or .csv files on list imports.
- Look for spaces
Make sure your email addresses do not contain beginning or trailing spaces. Extra spaces will cause the upload process to report an address as being a syntax error if spaces are present before or after an email address. If you do have spaces, the TRIM function in Excel removes spaces from text except for single spaces between words. Consult your help documents of your version of Excel to learn how to use the TRIM function.
- Email address field is required
If you've renamed the email address field in the list setup wizard or deleted the email address field at any time, you will have a problem importing. It's best to just leave that field alone. - MX Records Errors
Did you get a notice saying, "1 email was using invalid domains (MX records) and could not be imported."? All this means is either there is a typo in the domain name or the domain is not setup to receive email. For instance, if you import dude@mgail.com you could get this response. - Update Your Browser
If you're using an older version of Firefox you may be prompted to map/delete all your columns after you have already done so. Upgrading to Firefox 3.6 or higher will resolve this issue. - Time Travel
Trying to import an OPTIN_TIME or CONFIRM_TIME with a future date will cause a syntax error. Also, we only look at these times the first time you import the subscriber. We won't change the times or check that field if you update your list. - Big Ol' Lists
Does your import need more time? If you're importing a large list, it may be processing in the background. If you navigate away from the import area, go to the Lists Tab and if your list is processing you'll see this notice:
- Switching ESPs
Are you switching over from Constant Contact and have more than 60 lists? There is a limit to the number of lists than can be converted to Groups in MailChimp.