How do I request removal from a blocklist?

You've just found out your IP or domain is on a blocklist. Emails are bouncing, people aren't getting your messages, and you need to fix it fast. Here's how to actually do that.

Step 1: Find out exactly which blocklist you're on (and why)

Don't guess. Use our free blocklist checker to see which lists have flagged your IP or domain. Submitting a removal request to the wrong list wastes time, and submitting without knowing the cause almost helps ensure you'll be re-listed within days.

Step 2: Fix the actual problem first

This is the part most people skip. No blocklist operator will take you seriously if the issue is still active. Before you submit anything, work through this checklist:

• Check your sending practices and list quality for the root cause
• Remove any compromised accounts or open relays on your server
• Check your bounce rates and suppress any addresses that have hard bounced
• Review recent complaint rates. If they spiked, figure out which campaign caused it and who was on that list
• Make sure your SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are properly set up
• If you're on a shared IP, contact your ESP. The problem may not be yours to fix directly

Step 3: Submit the removal request

But each blocklist has its own process. Here's what you need to know for the major ones:

Spamhaus is the most serious listing to deal with. Go to their blocklist removal center at spamhaus.org and follow the guided steps. Some Spamhaus listings auto-expire once the issue is genuinely resolved. Others need a manual request with a clear explanation of what changed. Be honest and specific. They've seen every excuse in the book.

Barracuda has a straightforward removal request form at barracudacentral.org. Fill it in, explain what was fixed, and typically expect a response within a few hours to a couple of days.

SpamCop listings usually expire automatically, within 24 to 48 hours after spam reports stop coming in. You often don't need to do anything except stop the behavior that triggered it.

SORBS has a more manual process that can take longer. Their removal forms require you to explain the situation in detail. Be patient and thorough.

How long does it take?

SpamCop: usually 24 to 48 hours on its own. Barracuda: a few hours to a couple of days. Spamhaus: anywhere from a few hours to several days depending on listing type and history. SORBS: can take a week or more. If you've been listed before for the same reason, expect slower responses and more scrutiny.

What not to do

Don't submit a removal request the moment you find the listing, before anything is fixed. Don't submit multiple requests in a row if you don't hear back quickly. And don't treat it as a bureaucratic formality. Blocklist operators are real people who can see your sending history. A clear, honest explanation of what happened and what you changed goes a long way.

Now if you're not sure whether your sending infrastructure is actually clean before you submit, our free blocklist checker is a good starting point. For anything more complex, feel free to reach out directly and we'll take a look.