If your emails aren’t delivering or your website feels unreachable, it could be because your IP address has landed on a blacklist, but don’t panic. It’s a common, fixable issue, and it’s easy to check if you’re IP has been blacklisted.
This guide walks you through how to check if your IP is blacklisted, why it happens, and how to restore your access quickly by requesting a delisting from the blacklist provider so you can get back online with us.
How Blacklist Databases Work
Every blacklist provider maintains its own criteria for identifying and flagging potentially harmful IP addresses. These lists are designed to protect users from spam, malware, and other online threats, but sometimes, legitimate senders can get caught up in them too.
Each blacklist database uses a mix of technical, policy, and evidence-based criteria when deciding whether to list an IP address:
Technical Listings
These occur when a mail server’s setup raises red flags such as missing or incorrect DNS or reverse DNS records, invalid mail server settings, or servers operating within an IP range associated with spam.
Policy Listings
These happen when a blacklist operator chooses to block specific regions, ISPs, or networks known for poor email practices, like ignoring “unsubscribe” requests.
Evidence-Based Listings
These are based on direct reports or activity logs that show an IP address sending unsolicited or suspicious emails.
TIP: If your IP address appears on a blacklist, you can visit the blacklist provider’s website to run a lookup on your IP. Most services, such as Spamhaus, Barracuda, or SORBS, will display general reasons for the listing, helping you identify and fix the root cause.
Why Is My IP Blacklisted?
IP blacklisting happens when an address is associated with suspicious activity or spam-like behaviour.
Below we’ve listed some of the most common reasons your IP may be blacklisted, and what you can do about them.
1. Spam or Suspicious Email Activity
One of the main reasons an IP address becomes blacklisted is because it’s flagged for sending large volumes of emails that appear suspicious or spam-like. This doesn’t always mean you sent spam intentionally. Sometimes, a compromised mailbox or outdated settings can cause the issue.
Common causes include:
- High-volume Sending: Sending too many emails in a short time can trigger spam filters.
- Email Content Issues: Using spam trigger words, suspicious links, or misleading subject lines can cause your IP to be flagged.
- Missing Authentication: Without proper SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records, your emails may look unverified, making them more likely to be blocked or spoofed.
IMPORTANT: Make sure your email domain is properly authenticated.
2. Malware or Compromised Accounts
Common triggers:
- Sending or forwarding viruses or malicious attachments.
- Hosting or linking to phishing content.
- Using outdated or vulnerable plugins or CMS software.
TIP: Run a full antivirus scan on your device and website. Keep your operating system and plugins up to date and use strong passwords to prevent automated logins by bots.
3. Too Many Failed Login Attempts
This can happen when:
- You’ve entered the wrong password multiple times.
- A hacker is attempting to gain access through brute-force attacks.
- You’re logging in from multiple devices or unknown locations.
TIP: Wait about two hours before trying again, and in the meantime, reset your password.
4. Suspicious or Unusual Network Activity
Possible causes:
- Multiple simultaneous logins.
- High API or FTP activity.
- Automated scripts or bots running in the background.
TIP: Always log out when you’re done managing your account and avoid running multiple FTP connections or backup processes at once.
5. Shared Network or Public Connection Issues
On occasion, your IP may be blacklisted because of another user on the same network. This can happen when you’re using public Wi-Fi or shared business internet.
TIP: Avoid logging in from public hotspots or unsecured connections.
If you’re working remotely, use a trusted VPN or your home network to reduce the risk of shared IP flags.
6. False Positives (Accidental Blocks)
There are times when your IP may be blocked by mistake. This can happen especially if the traffic pattern resembles an attack. This is rare, but when it happens, it can be fixed quickly.
TIP: Try again in two hours. If you’re still blocked, consider whitelisting options with your IP address at hand.
Who Can Blacklist My IP?
Blacklists (or DNS-based Blacklists, also known as DNSBLs) are maintained by reputable global organisations that track potentially harmful IP activity.
Common ones include:
- Spamhaus is known for the SBL (Spamhaus Block List).
- SpamCop flags networks linked to spam activity.
- Barracuda BBRL is used widely by mail filters
- SORBS lists IPs showing spam or virus-like behaviour.
How Do I Check If My IP is Blacklisted?
To check whether your IP address has been blacklisted, along with the reason and source of the blacklist, you can use these tools.
1: Find your Public IP Address.
2: Visit a trusted Blacklist Checker Lookup tool such as:
- DNSChecker IP Blacklist Check
- MXToolbox Blacklist Check
- WhatIsMyIPAddress Blacklist Check
- Spamhaus Lookup Tool
3: Enter your IP address.
4: Review results and note the reason for blacklisting (if listed).
Delisting Made Easy
Blacklisting is often reversible, and the key is to fix the cause first, then follow the proper removal process.
1: Investigate and Correct the Issue
- Scan all devices and servers on your network for malware or spam scripts equally.
- Check for any available operating system or software patches to strengthen security accordingly.
- Update router and firewall settings for better protection concurrently.
- Reset and enforce stronger passwords across all accounts before requesting this.
TIP: Before submitting a removal request, ensure your environment is clean.
Following the Blacklist Removal Process
Most blacklist providers include a removal process you can follow directly from their websites because the exact method varies by provider, but typically falls into one of three categories:
1. Self-Service Removal
Some blacklists allow you to request removal instantly through a self-service form. This is a fast option — but only if you’ve already fixed the underlying issue. Otherwise, repeat listings can delay or block future removals.
2. Time-Based Removal
Many blacklists automatically remove minor offenders after a set period, and this can range from a few hours to 7 to 14 days. However, when an IP address is being flagged multiple times or linked to bulk spam activity, the removal period often extends significantly.
3. Manual Review or Appeal
For higher-level listings, you may need to submit a formal request to the blacklist operator. This process usually requires you to provide proof of what has been fixed. E.g. updated authentication records such as SPF, DKIM, or DMARC, or confirmation that malware has been successfully removed.
For example:
- Spamhaus provides a removal request form after you correct the issue.
Why Timely Action Matters
Blacklists often share data across networks, meaning your listing could appear in multiple databases. Taking quick corrective action helps restore your email reputation and prevents your domain or hosting IP from being blocked by other providers.
Tips to Reduce Flags
Keep your IP (and sender reputation) strong by:
- Maintaining a clean, verified mailing list.
- Avoiding bulk or repetitive sends in short bursts.
- Monitoring bounce and complaint rates.
- Keeping all devices free of malware.
- Ensuring SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are configured correctly.
- Avoid open relays and use strong passwords.
When to Contact 1-grid Support
Reach out to our Support Team if:
- You’ve followed all delisting steps, but the issue persists.
- You suspect your mail IP (MailChannels) is being blocked, and you need intervention.
Provide:
- Your IP address
- The blacklist report or delisting ticket reference
Our team will review and escalate to our Network or Mail Administrators if needed.
FAQs
How do I know if my IP is blacklisted?
Use tools like MXToolbox or Spamhaus Lookup to check.
How long does delisting take?
Usually within 24 to 72 hours after fixing the cause and submitting a request.
Additional Resources
Everything You Need to Know About IP Blacklisting
Everything You Need to Know About an IP Address
What Is My Public IP Address and How Do I Find It?
Email FAQs
Domains FAQs
Choosing a Great Domain Name and Why It Matters for Your Brand Online
Everything You Need to Know About Domains at 1-grid
Get Started with Website Builder at 1-grid
What is Professional Email from 1-grid?
Why SSL? The Purpose of Using SSL Certificates
Everything You Need to Know About DNS for Your Domain
How to Update Your Domain’s Nameservers at 1-grid
Need Additional Support?
We’re Here to Help:
Learning how to check if your IP is blacklisted and how to get it fixed doesn’t have to feel challenging with this easy-to-reference guide. Stuck? Contact our Support Team for clarity and guidance (https://1grid.co.za/contact-us/). We’re ready to see how we can help!