IP and domain blacklists can severely impact email deliverability by preventing your emails from reaching inboxes. When an IP address or domain is listed on a blacklist, inbox providers may block or filter emails before they are even evaluated.
Regular monitoring and quick action are essential. A sudden drop in deliverability is often the first sign of blacklisting, and early detection makes recovery faster and easier.
This article explains what IP and domain blacklists are, why listings happen, how to check blacklist status in TrulyInbox, and what steps to take to recover and prevent future listings.
A blacklist is a real-time database of IP addresses and domains that are flagged for sending spam or harmful emails.
Email service providers, mailbox providers, and anti-spam vendors use these lists to protect users from unwanted or malicious messages. If your IP or domain appears on one or more blacklists, your emails are far more likely to land in spam or be blocked entirely.
An IP address or domain may be blacklisted for several reasons.
Sending spam intentionally or due to compromised accounts
High spam complaint rates when recipients mark emails as spam
Sending emails that contain malicious links or files
Using purchased, scraped, or low quality email lists that cause high bounce rates
Maintaining good sending practices and monitoring reputation regularly are the best ways to avoid these issues.
You can check whether your IP or domain is blacklisted directly inside TrulyInbox.
Go to the Email Account list
Look at the IP and Domain column under Setup Score
If your IP or domain is listed, you will see a number showing how many blacklists you appear on
Click the number to view the specific blacklists
When checking domain blacklist status, the system first looks for an A record. If none is found, it checks for a CNAME record. If neither exists, the MX record is used to determine blacklist status.
If your IP or domain is listed, you should act immediately. While each blacklist has its own process, most follow a similar structure.
Spamhaus is one of the most influential blacklists.
Check your IP or domain on the Spamhaus website
Identify the reason for the listing
Fix the underlying issue such as spam activity or security problems
Submit a delisting request through the Spamhaus portal with details of corrective actions
Barracuda maintains its own reputation system.
Verify the listing using Barracuda Central
Resolve issues such as spam content or authentication problems
Submit a delisting request with evidence of remediation
SpamCop listings are automated.
Listings are usually removed automatically within 24 hours if no new complaints occur
Fix the root cause such as compromised systems or open relays
Check related blacklists like Spamhaus CBL to ensure full cleanup
SURBL focuses on domains and URLs found in spam.
Check your domain using the SURBL lookup tool
Submit a removal request with proof that the issue has been resolved
Microsoft maintains its own blocking system.
Submit your IP through the Microsoft delist portal
Provide accurate information about your email practices
Wait for Microsoft’s review and decision
Each blacklist has unique rules.
Review their delisting requirements carefully
Provide clear evidence of compliance
Continue monitoring after removal to avoid relisting
Preventing blacklisting is far easier than recovering from it.
Clean your email list before sending. Use email verification to remove invalid or risky addresses. For new signups, use confirmation emails to prevent fake entries.
Configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC correctly to prove email legitimacy. Proper authentication reduces spoofing and improves trust with inbox providers.
Start with low volume, usually 20 to 50 emails per day for new domains. Increase slowly while monitoring bounces and engagement.
Avoid sudden spikes in volume. Maintain a steady schedule and stay within daily sending limits to avoid triggering spam filters.
Remove hard bounces immediately. Monitor soft bounces closely. Keep spam complaint rates below 0.1 percent to protect reputation.
Monitor blacklist status inside TrulyInbox to catch issues early before deliverability drops significantly.
Avoid spam trigger language. Personalize emails where possible. Use simple formatting and always include an unsubscribe option.
Follow regulations such as GDPR, CAN SPAM, and CCPA. Obtain consent, include a physical address, and honor unsubscribe requests promptly.
IP and domain blacklists can disrupt outreach quickly, but they are manageable with the right approach.
By monitoring reputation, maintaining good sending hygiene, and responding quickly to warning signs, you can protect deliverability and keep emails reaching inboxes consistently.