What is an email blacklist? How listings happen and how to get removed
An email blacklist, also called a blocklist or DNSBL, is a public list of IP addresses or domains associated with spam, which mail servers consult before accepting a message.
Lists such as Spamhaus, Barracuda and SpamCop are queried through DNS by receiving servers. If the sending IP or domain is listed, the message may be rejected or sent to spam.
Senders usually get listed for hitting spam traps, sending to many invalid addresses, receiving many complaints, or because a compromised account or server sent spam from their IP.
Most lists explain on their site why an address was listed and how to request removal. Fix the cause first (clean the list, secure the account), then request delisting.
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Related
- Spam trap: A spam trap is an email address that should never receive legitimate mail, used by mailbox providers and blocklist operators to identify senders with poor list practices.
- Sender reputation: Sender reputation is how trustworthy mailbox providers consider your sending domain and IP address, based on how your past email was received.
- Email deliverability: Email deliverability is the ability to get your messages into recipients' inboxes, as opposed to the spam folder or being rejected.
- All glossary terms