How to Get Off an IP Blacklist (Delisting Tips for Hosts)

If your IP address has landed on a blacklist, you’re not alone. Every day, legitimate hosts and email service providers find their IPs flagged for spam—sometimes due to a compromised client, poor list hygiene, or even one bad sender on a shared IP.

But here’s the good news: getting delisted is possible—if you follow the right steps.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• How blacklisting happens
  
• What to do before requesting delisting
  
• Where and how to submit removal requests
  
• How to prevent it from happening again
  

Why Was Your IP Blacklisted?

Blacklists track IPs that are known to send spam or other abusive email traffic. Common reasons for listing include:

• High spam complaint rates
  
• Sending to spam traps
  
• Malware or compromised web forms
  
• Shared IPs abused by one customer
  
• Lack of SPF, DKIM, or DMARC authentication
  

📌 Before you can get off a blacklist, you need to figure out why you landed there.

Step 1: Confirm the Blacklist Status

Use tools like:

• MxToolbox Blacklist Check
  
• Spamhaus Lookup
  
• Talos Intelligence
  
• MultiRBL.valli.org
  

Paste your IP and check which DNS-based blacklists (DNSBLs) you’re listed on.

Take note of:

• The specific blacklist names
  
• Any additional diagnostics or error codes
  
• Links to delisting instructions
  

Step 2: Clean Up the Root Cause

Before requesting delisting, you must fix the issue that caused it. Otherwise, you’ll just get relisted.

Here’s what to check:

Investigate Email Logs

• Look for spikes in volume or unusual sending patterns
  
• Trace sending activity by user or domain (especially on shared servers)
  

Audit Your Customer Accounts

• Check for compromised WordPress forms, plugins, or login abuse
  
• Suspend accounts responsible for spammy behavior
  
• Scan outbound queues for suspicious content
  

Review List Hygiene

• Remove bounced, invalid, and unengaged recipients
  
• Stop sending to purchased or harvested lists
  
• Enable double opt-in for subscriptions
  

Step 3: Submit a Delisting Request

Most blacklist sites provide a delisting form or instructions. Some require authentication to verify ownership of the IP.

Major Blacklists and How to Delist

Blacklist	Delisting URL	Notes
Spamhaus	https://www.spamhaus.org/lookup/	One of the strictest—must fix the issue first
SORBS	http://www.sorbs.net/lookup.shtml	Often requires proof of fix
Barracuda	https://www.barracudacentral.org/rbl/removal-request	Simple online form
Spamcop	https://www.spamcop.net/bl.shtml	Often auto-expires in 24–48 hours
UCEProtect	https://www.uceprotect.net/	Difficult to delist; may need to wait for expiration

When submitting a request, be transparent:

• Acknowledge the listing
  
• Describe what caused it
  
• Explain the steps taken to fix the issue
  
• Share what you’ll do to prevent recurrence
  

Step 4: Prevent Future Blacklistings

Once you’re delisted, keep your IP clean by implementing strong email hygiene practices.

Best Practices for Hosts and ESPs

• Use SPF, DKIM, and DMARC authentication
  
• Rate limit outbound email
  
• Monitor for compromised scripts and contact forms
  
• Set up feedback loops to detect complaints
  
• Filter outbound mail with automated spam detection
  
• Segment customers to isolate risky senders
  

MailChannels Makes This Easier

With MailChannels Outbound Filtering, you get:

• Real-time spam filtering for shared hosting environments
  
• Automatic isolation of compromised accounts
  
• IP pool management to avoid shared reputation damage
  
• ResponseAnalytics for bounce reason transparency
  
• Fewer blacklisting events—plus no manual delisting stress
  

 Try MailChannels for Free →

Continue Reading

• Top Reasons IPs Get Blacklisted (And How to Avoid It)
  
• How to Check Your IP Reputation (Tools & Step-by-Step)
  
• Complete Guide to IP Reputation Management
  
• What Is IP Reputation? And Why It Matters