Free IP / Email Blacklist Checker
Is your email landing in spam folders? Your IP address or domain might be on an email blacklist. Use our free Email Blacklist Checker to instantly scan your mail server against 30+ DNS-based blacklists (DNSBLs), including major providers like Spamhaus, Barracuda, and SpamCop. Get detailed results and actionable recommendations to improve your email deliverability.
Enter an IP address or domain name to check against 30+ email blacklists (DNSBLs).
What is an Email Blacklist?
An email blacklist (also called DNSBL, RBL, or blocklist) is a real-time database of IP addresses and domains that have been identified as sources of spam. Email servers worldwide query these blacklists to decide whether to accept, reject, or filter incoming emails.
When your IP or domain appears on a blacklist, your emails may be:
- Rejected entirely by recipient mail servers
- Delivered to spam/junk folders
- Subject to additional filtering and delays
- Blocked by corporate email gateways
Types of Email Blacklists
IP-based Blacklists (DNSBLs)
These track IP addresses that have sent spam or malicious emails. Examples include Spamhaus ZEN, SpamCop, and Barracuda.Domain-based Blacklists (DBLs)
These track domains used in spam emails, either as sender domains or in email content. Examples include Spamhaus DBL and SURBL.Blacklists We Check
Our Email Blacklist Checker queries over 30 DNS-based blacklists, categorized by their impact on email deliverability:
Major Blacklists (Critical Impact)
| Blacklist | Description |
|---|---|
| Spamhaus ZEN | Combined blocklist (SBL, XBL, PBL) – Most widely used |
| Spamhaus DBL | Domain Block List for malicious domains |
| Barracuda | Barracuda Reputation Block List |
| SpamCop | Real-time spam reporting system |
| CBL (Abuseat) | Composite Blocking List for compromised hosts |
| Abusix | Combined mail intelligence blocklist |
| SURBL | URI/Domain blocklist |
| URIBL | URI Real-time Blocklist |
Standard Blacklists (Moderate Impact)
| Blacklist | Description |
|---|---|
| SORBS | Various zones for spam, open relays, proxies |
| UCEPROTECT L1 | Single IP blocklist |
| UCEPROTECT L2 | Network blocklist |
| Spamrats | Dynamic IPs, missing PTR records, spam sources |
| PSBL | Passive Spam Block List |
| Mailspike | Reputation-based blocklist |
| BLOCKLIST.DE | Attack source blocklist |
| DRONE BL | Compromised hosts blocklist |
| NiX Spam | German spam blocklist |
Aggressive Blacklists (Lower Impact)
| Blacklist | Description |
|---|---|
| UCEPROTECT L3 | ASN-level blocklist (high false-positive rate) |
| SpamEatingMonkey Netblocks | Network-level blocklist |
Understanding Blacklist Categories
Major Blacklists
These are used by most email providers and have the highest impact on deliverability. Being listed on Spamhaus, Barracuda, or SpamCop will cause significant email delivery problems.
Standard Blacklists
These have moderate impact and are used by some email providers. While less critical than major blacklists, being listed can still affect deliverability.
Aggressive Blacklists
These have higher false-positive rates and block entire IP ranges or networks. Many email providers don’t use these lists, but they can still cause issues with certain recipients.
How to Get Removed from Email Blacklists
If your IP or domain is listed on a blacklist, follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify the Root Cause
Before requesting removal, determine why you were listed:
- Compromised accounts: Check for hacked email accounts sending spam
- Malware infection: Scan servers for malware or botnet activity
- Open relay: Ensure your mail server isn’t an open relay
- Poor list hygiene: Remove invalid addresses causing bounces
- Spam complaints: Review your email practices
Step 2: Fix the Problem
Address the underlying issue completely before requesting delisting. Most blacklists will re-list you if the problem persists.
Step 3: Request Removal
Spamhaus
Visit Spamhaus Blocklist Removal and follow their self-service removal process.
Barracuda
Submit a removal request at Barracuda Central.
SpamCop
SpamCop listings automatically expire after 24-48 hours if no new spam is reported. Visit SpamCop to check status.
SORBS
Request removal through their support system.
UCEPROTECT
Level 1 listings expire automatically after 7 days. Visit UCEPROTECT for details.
Step 4: Monitor Your Status
Regularly check your IP and domain to ensure you stay off blacklists. Set up monitoring to get alerts if you’re listed again.
Common Reasons for Email Blacklisting
1. Sending Spam (Intentional or Unintentional)
- Purchased email lists with invalid addresses
- Sending to recipients who didn’t opt-in
- High complaint rates from recipients
2. Compromised Infrastructure
- Hacked email accounts
- Malware-infected servers
- Botnet activity
3. Technical Configuration Issues
- Open mail relay
- Missing or incorrect SPF records
- No DKIM authentication
- Missing reverse DNS (PTR record)
4. Shared IP Problems
- Using shared hosting where other users send spam
- Email service provider’s IP got blacklisted
5. High Bounce Rates
- Sending to many invalid email addresses
- Poor list hygiene practices