How to delist from Spamhaus (step by step)
If your IP is on the Spamhaus SBL (Spam Block List) or XBL (Exploits Block List), your emails will be rejected by most major mail providers. Here's exactly how to get delisted, step by step.
Step 0: Confirm you're actually listed
Before you do anything, confirm your IP is actually on the Spamhaus list. Use our free blocklist checker to check 9 RBLs including Spamhaus SBL, PSBL, and XBL in one click.
Step 1: Figure out why you're listed
Spamhaus lists IPs for specific reasons. The most common are:
- SBL (Spam Block List): Your IP is sending spam or has been compromised by a spam bot.
- XBL (Exploits Block List): Your IP is hosting open proxies, open relays, or other exploits that spammers can use.
- PSBL (Policy Spam Block List): Your IP violates Spamhaus policy, such as sending to users who didn't opt in.
Visit check.spamhaus.org and enter your IP. The result page will tell you exactly which list you're on and why.
Step 2: Fix the underlying issue
This is the most important step. If you don't fix the root cause, you'll get re-listed within hours.
- If you're sending spam: Stop sending spam. Clean up your email list. Remove invalid addresses.
- If you're compromised: Secure your server. Update software. Close open ports. Kill the spam bot.
- If you have an open relay: Configure your mail server to only accept mail from authenticated users.
- If you're on a shared IP: Contact your hosting provider and ask them to clean up the IP or move you to a new one.
Step 3: Request delisting
Once you've fixed the issue, request delisting through the Spamhaus delisting form:
- Go to check.spamhaus.org
- Enter your IP address
- Click "Delist" on the result page
- Fill out the form with your IP and a brief description of what you fixed
- Submit the form
Be honest and specific. "I fixed the issue" is not enough. "I closed the open relay on port 25 and configured my mail server to require authentication" is much better.
Step 4: Wait for re-scan
Spamhaus re-scans listed IPs every 15 minutes. Once your delisting request is processed, your IP should be removed from the list within 15 minutes to a few hours.
You can verify by checking check.spamhaus.org again or using our blocklist checker.
Step 5: Monitor to prevent re-listing
After you're delisted, keep an eye on your IP. If you get re-listed, it means the issue wasn't fully fixed.
Set up a regular check using our blocklist checker or a monitoring service. If you notice you're listed again, go back to Step 2 and fix the root cause.
Still listed after 24 hours?
If your IP is still listed after 24 hours, the issue may not be fully resolved. Double-check your mail server configuration, ensure your IP is not sending spam, and wait for the next re-scan. You can also contact Spamhaus support directly with details about what you've fixed.
Preventing future listings
- Keep your mail server secure: Update software, close unnecessary ports, require authentication.
- Maintain a clean email list: Remove invalid addresses, respect opt-outs, monitor bounce rates.
- Set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC: Use our DMARC checker, SPF checker, and DKIM checker to verify your configuration.
- Monitor your IP regularly: Use our blocklist checker to catch listings early.
Run a full free audit
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