How to Check If Your Email Domain Is Blacklisted

If your emails suddenly start bouncing or everyone says your mail is going to spam, there's a chance your domain or sending IP has been blacklisted. It sounds alarming, but it's checkable and usually fixable. Here's what to do.

What is an email blacklist?

A blacklist (or blocklist) is a database of domains and IP addresses known or suspected to send spam. Mail providers check these lists and may reject or junk mail from anything listed. Common lists include Spamhaus, Barracuda and SURBL.

Signs you might be blacklisted

• A spike in bounces, especially "blocked" or "listed on..." messages - see email bounce messages explained
• Mail that previously arrived now lands in spam
• A specific provider (Gmail, Outlook) rejecting your mail

How to check

1. Read your bounce messages. They often name the blacklist and give a reason or a removal link.
2. Use a blacklist lookup tool. Free online checkers (search "blacklist check") let you enter your domain or sending IP and see which lists, if any, flag it.
3. Check your DMARC reports. They reveal how receivers are treating your mail - see DMARC reports explained.

Why it happens

• Compromised account - a hacked mailbox sending spam. Enforce two-factor authentication.
• Bad lists or high complaints - sending to unengaged or purchased lists
• Missing authentication - no SPF/DKIM/DMARC makes you look suspicious
• A bad neighbour - on cheap shared hosting, another user's spam can get the shared IP listed (a strong reason to use a reputable host)

How to get removed

1. Fix the cause first - secure any compromised account, clean your lists, set up authentication. Delisting without fixing the cause just gets you relisted.
2. Use the blacklist's removal process - most provide a self-service delisting request once the issue is resolved.
3. Be patient - some lists remove you automatically after you stop the behaviour.

Prevent it in the first place

• Set up SPF, DKIM and DMARC correctly - see email authentication explained
• Keep lists clean and enforce 2FA
• Send from a reputable email host with well-managed IPs, so you're not sharing a sending reputation with spammers

We keep you off the lists

DigiCloudMail sends from clean, well-reputed infrastructure and helps you configure authentication properly - the two biggest factors in staying off blacklists and in the inbox. See how to improve email deliverability.

Worried about deliverability or a blacklist? Contact us and we'll sort it out.