Is My IP Blacklisted? How to Check and Fix It

Q: How do I check if my IP is blacklisted?

Start by finding your current IP address, then check your IP Cleanliness Score on the homepage for a quick reputation indicator. For a detailed check across many lists at once, run your IP through a multi-blacklist service such as MXToolbox or MultiRBL.

Q: Why is my IP address blacklisted?

Common causes are sending spam (sometimes from a compromised account), malware on your network participating in a botnet, sharing an IP with bad actors (common on VPNs and shared hosting), or running a misconfigured mail server as an open relay.

Q: How do I remove my IP from a blacklist?

Fix the root cause first: remove malware, secure your email, and close any open relay. Then either wait, since many lists auto-remove clean IPs in 24 to 72 hours, or submit a delisting request on the blacklist website. If you have a dynamic IP, your ISP can also assign a new one.

Q: How long does it take to get delisted from an IP blacklist?

Many blacklists automatically remove an IP after 24 to 72 hours with no further spam activity. Lists with a manual delisting request can be faster once you submit, but only after you have fixed the underlying problem, or the IP will simply be relisted.

Q: Can a VPN cause my IP to be blacklisted?

Yes. VPN and shared-hosting IPs are used by many people at once, so another user spam or abuse can get the shared IP listed even if you did nothing wrong. Switching VPN servers usually gives you a different IP with a cleaner reputation.

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Why Your IP Might Be Blacklisted
IP blacklists (also called DNSBLs) are databases of IP addresses known to send spam or be involved in malicious activity. If your IP is blacklisted, your emails may not be delivered and some websites may block your access.
Common Reasons for Blacklisting
Sending spam — even accidentally, such as a compromised email account sending spam without your knowledge
Malware infection — malware on your network may be sending spam or participating in botnet activity
Shared IP — if you share an IP with other users (common with VPNs and shared hosting), someone else's behavior can get the IP blacklisted
Open relay — a misconfigured mail server that allows anyone to send email through it
How to Check Your IP
First, find your current IP address. Check our homepage for your IP Cleanliness Score — this gives you a quick indication of your IP's reputation. For a detailed blacklist check, you can use services like MXToolbox or MultiRBL to check your IP against multiple blacklists simultaneously.
How to Get Delisted
Fix the root cause — remove malware, secure your email, close open relays
Wait — many blacklists automatically remove IPs after a period of no spam activity (24-72 hours)
Request removal — most blacklists have a delisting request form on their website
Contact your ISP — if you have a dynamic IP, your ISP can assign you a new one
Check again — after taking action, verify your IP cleanliness score has improved
Prevention
Keep your devices updated and malware-free. Use strong passwords on all accounts. Scan for open ports regularly. If you run a mail server, ensure proper SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are configured. Run a breach check to ensure your email credentials haven't been compromised.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if my IP is blacklisted?
Start by finding your current IP address, then check your IP Cleanliness Score on the homepage for a quick reputation indicator. For a detailed check across many lists at once, run your IP through a multi-blacklist service such as MXToolbox or MultiRBL.
Why is my IP address blacklisted?
Common causes are sending spam (sometimes from a compromised account), malware on your network participating in a botnet, sharing an IP with bad actors (common on VPNs and shared hosting), or running a misconfigured mail server as an open relay.
How do I remove my IP from a blacklist?
Fix the root cause first: remove malware, secure your email, and close any open relay. Then either wait, since many lists auto-remove clean IPs in 24 to 72 hours, or submit a delisting request on the blacklist website. If you have a dynamic IP, your ISP can also assign a new one.
How long does it take to get delisted from an IP blacklist?
Many blacklists automatically remove an IP after 24 to 72 hours with no further spam activity. Lists with a manual delisting request can be faster once you submit, but only after you have fixed the underlying problem, or the IP will simply be relisted.
Can a VPN cause my IP to be blacklisted?
Yes. VPN and shared-hosting IPs are used by many people at once, so another user spam or abuse can get the shared IP listed even if you did nothing wrong. Switching VPN servers usually gives you a different IP with a cleaner reputation.
Last updated: June 28, 2026