IP Blacklist Check
Check whether an IP address is listed on major anti-spam and abuse blocklists — and learn what to do if it is.
Blacklist & reputation check
Server-side checking is on the way. Here's what it will cover.
Why this isn't live in your browser: blocklists are queried over DNS against many independent operators. Browsers can't make raw DNS queries, so an accurate check must run on a server. We're wiring this into our diagnostic engine.
Lists this tool will query
- Pending
Spamhaus ZEN
Combined spam & exploit list
- Pending
Barracuda BRBL
Reputation-based blocklist
- Pending
SpamCop
Report-driven spam sources
- Pending
SORBS
Spam & open relay lists
- Pending
UCEPROTECT
Escalating network-level lists
- Pending
Spamhaus PBL
Policy block (residential ranges)
What an IP blacklist check does
A blacklist — more precisely a DNS-based blocklist, or DNSBL — is a list of IP addresses that mail servers and security systems treat as suspect, usually because they've been linked to spam, malware or abuse. A reputation check looks your address up across many of these lists at once and reports where, if anywhere, it appears. It's the first thing to verify when your emails start bouncing or landing in spam.
Each list is run by an independent operator and answered over the DNS protocol. That's the catch for a browser tool: web pages can't issue raw DNS queries, so a trustworthy check has to be performed server-side. The polished interface above shows exactly which lists our server-side check will cover once it ships.
How to read results (once live)
- Not listed — your address has a clean reputation across the lists checked. Nothing to do.
- On a policy list (e.g. Spamhaus PBL) — common for home connections and usually harmless unless you run a mail server.
- On an abuse list — investigate promptly: scan devices for malware, secure any mail service, then use the operator's delisting process.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't this check run in my browser?
DNS-based blocklists (DNSBLs) are queried over the DNS protocol against dozens of independent list operators. Browsers, for security reasons, can't make raw DNS queries — they can only request web pages. A reliable blacklist check therefore has to run on a server that can perform those DNS lookups.
Why would my IP be on a blacklist?
Common reasons include a malware-infected device on your network sending spam, a previous owner of a dynamic IP misbehaving, running a mail server without proper authentication, or your whole ISP range being listed. Many home IPs sit on policy lists (like Spamhaus PBL) by default, which is normal.
How do I get removed from a blacklist?
First fix the cause — scan devices for malware, secure any mail server, and confirm your IP isn't shared with abusers. Then use each list operator's delisting form. Note that for dynamic residential IPs, the simplest fix is often a router reboot to obtain a fresh address.
Does being listed affect my browsing?
Rarely. Blacklists mostly affect outbound email deliverability and, occasionally, access to sites that filter by reputation. General web browsing is almost never impacted.
Worried about your network's health?
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