Summary
To check if your IP is listed on Spamhaus, use the Spamhaus IP lookup tool, MXToolbox, or HetrixTools. If listed, understand the listing type (SBL, XBL, PBL, ZEN) and the reason, such as spam activity, botnet involvement, or dynamic IP range. Informational listings may not appear in DNS zones but indicate a warning. The delisting process requires fixing the issue and following Spamhaus's instructions. Prevent listings by monitoring sender reputation, implementing authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and maintaining clean lists. If listed on ZEN, check underlying lists for the reason.
Key findings
- Lookup Tools: Multiple tools (Spamhaus IP lookup, MXToolbox, HetrixTools, MultiRBL) can check for Spamhaus listings.
- Listing Types: Spamhaus uses SBL, XBL, PBL, and ZEN listings, each with specific meanings and impacts.
- ZEN Listing: A ZEN listing means the IP is on one of the other Spamhaus lists (SBL, XBL, or PBL).
- PBL and Dynamic IPs: PBL listings are common for dynamic IPs, which should not be used for mail servers.
- Impact on Deliverability: Spamhaus listings can significantly harm email deliverability, causing blocking or spam folder delivery.
Key considerations
- Identify the Cause: Determine the reason for the listing by reviewing Spamhaus details for issues like malware or spam activity.
- Remediation: Fix the issue causing the listing (e.g., removing malware, securing accounts) before requesting delisting.
- Delisting Process: Follow the specific delisting instructions on the Spamhaus website.
- Sender Reputation: Maintain a positive sender reputation through authentication, clean lists, and monitoring.
- Informational Listings: Be aware that informational listings are warnings but don't encourage immediate blocking.
What email marketers say
9 marketer opinions
Checking Spamhaus for your IP address involves using tools like the Spamhaus IP lookup, MXToolbox, or mail-tester.com to identify potential listings. If listed, it's crucial to understand the listing type (SBL, XBL, PBL), identify the cause (spam activity, compromised system, dynamic IP), and follow the delisting process on the Spamhaus website. Maintaining a good sender reputation through authentication, clean lists, and monitoring is key to preventing listings.
Key opinions
- Impact on Deliverability: Spamhaus listings can significantly impact email deliverability by causing emails to be blocked or sent to spam folders.
- PBL Listings: A PBL listing for a dynamic IP is common but less severe than other types of listings like SBL.
- MXToolbox Check: MXToolbox provides a quick overview of your IP's reputation across multiple blocklists, including Spamhaus.
- Spamhaus ZEN: A Spamhaus ZEN listing indicates the IP is listed on one or more of Spamhaus's other lists (SBL, XBL, or PBL).
- Importance of Authentication: Proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is crucial to prevent Spamhaus listings.
Key considerations
- Identify the Cause: The first step after finding your IP listed is to identify the reason for the listing by reviewing the details provided by Spamhaus.
- Delisting Process: Delisting requires fixing the issue that caused the listing and following the specific instructions on the Spamhaus website.
- Static IP for Mail Servers: If using a dynamic IP for a mail server, contact your ISP for a static IP and then request delisting from the PBL.
- Monitoring Sender Reputation: Regularly monitor your sender reputation and use tools to proactively identify and address potential issues.
- Mail Server Configuration: Use tools like mail-tester.com to check mail server configuration and identify misconfigurations which can lead to blocklisting.
Marketer view
Email marketer from SenderScore suggests to prevent Spamhaus listings, monitor your sender reputation using tools like SenderScore, implement proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and maintain clean email lists to reduce spam complaints.
21 Oct 2022 - SenderScore
Marketer view
Email marketer from mail-tester.com recommends using their service to check your mail server's configuration and identify potential issues that could lead to blocklisting. It provides a report with actionable steps to improve your setup.
24 Apr 2025 - mail-tester.com
What the experts say
4 expert opinions
Checking Spamhaus for your IP address involves using their IP lookup tool on their website to identify potential listings. If your IP is listed, it's crucial to understand the listing details to determine the cause, such as malware, compromised accounts, or spam activity. Informational listings won't appear in DNS zones and indicate a warning rather than immediate blocking.
Key opinions
- IP Lookup Tool: The Spamhaus website offers an IP lookup tool to check if your IP is listed.
- Informational Listings: Informational listings don't appear in the DNS zone and serve as a warning.
Key considerations
- Identify the Cause: If your IP is listed, determine the reason by reviewing the listing details.
- Check for Malware: The cause of a listing may involve checking for malware, compromised accounts, or spam activity.
Expert view
Expert from Spamresource explains that the easiest method to check is to visit the Spamhaus website and use their IP lookup tool. Enter your IP address to see if it's listed and review the provided details.
17 Jan 2022 - Spamresource
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks suggests checking Spamhaus for IP address listings, especially "informational" listings that might not be picked up by blocklist checkers. He recommends plugging in your sending IP address at <https://check.spamhaus.org/> to see if Spamhaus has you on their radar.
15 Jun 2025 - Email Geeks
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
To check if your IP address is on a Spamhaus blocklist, use the Spamhaus IP and Domain Reputation Checker or tools like HetrixTools and MultiRBL. Listings include details about the reason for inclusion, such as spam activity or compromised systems. Understanding the type of blocklist (SBL, XBL, PBL) is crucial for diagnosing the issue.
Key findings
- IP and Domain Reputation Checker: Spamhaus provides an IP and Domain Reputation Checker for quick lookups.
- Reason for Inclusion: Listings typically indicate the reason for inclusion, like spam activity or compromised systems.
- Blocklist Types: Spamhaus uses different blocklists, including SBL, XBL, and PBL, each targeting different issues.
Key considerations
- Understanding the Reason: It is crucial to understand the specific reason for being listed to address the problem effectively.
- Diagnosing the Issue: Knowing which blocklist your IP is on helps diagnose the underlying issue causing the listing.
- Use Blacklist Monitoring Tools: Tools such as HetrixTools and MultiRBL can be used to check IPs against Spamhaus as well as other blocklists.
Technical article
Documentation from MultiRBL explains to check details on the Spamhaus listing by using their lookup tool. This allows you to query Spamhaus blocklists directly and view all the information. The information will help you understand why the IP got flagged.
10 Oct 2022 - MultiRBL
Technical article
Documentation from HetrixTools explains how to use their blacklist monitoring tool to check your IP address against various blocklists, including Spamhaus. It provides information on how to interpret the results and take necessary actions to remove your IP from the lists.
3 Jan 2024 - HetrixTools
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