How to handle a SORBS listing and avoid paying for delisting
Michael Ko
Co-founder & CEO, Suped
Published 26 May 2025
Updated 19 Aug 2025
7 min read
Dealing with a SORBS listing can be a frustrating experience. Many of us have faced that moment when an automated response, possibly from payments@support.sorbs.net, tells you your IP address is blacklisted for an extended period. The immediate thought might be, "Do I really have to pay to get off this list?" It is a valid concern, as some blocklists (or blacklists) are known for controversial pay-to-delist models.
The good news is that you generally do not need to pay SORBS to get your IP address delisted. While they might imply payment as a path, there is a widely recognized process for delisting without financial compensation. This guide will walk you through how to handle a SORBS listing effectively and, crucially, avoid paying for delisting, while also sharing insights from real-world experiences.
Understanding why your IP got listed and the nature of the blocklist itself is the first crucial step. Many blocklists operate on different principles, and SORBS is particularly unique in its approach and perceived impact.
SORBS, which stands for Spam and Open Relay Blocking System, is one of the older and more established DNS-based blocklists (DNSBLs). It lists IP addresses that have been identified as sources of spam, open relays, or other types of malicious email activity. Their listing process can be automatic, semi-automatic, or manual.
The controversy surrounding SORBS often stems from its wide array of listing criteria and, historically, the perception that it encourages payment for delisting. While SORBS has stated that delisting is free under certain conditions, the initial interactions can often lead senders to believe payment is necessary. This is one of the reasons why you should also investigate UCEPROTECTL1 blacklist and its delisting methods.
A common point of confusion arises because SORBS operates multiple sub-lists, each targeting different types of issues. Understanding which specific list your IP is on can help tailor your delisting approach. For example, the SORBS DUHL blacklist is specifically for dynamic IP addresses, while others focus on open relays or spam sources. This distinction is vital for effective remediation, as outlined in how severe is a SORBS listing article.
The actual impact of a SORBS listing on your email deliverability can vary. While some corporate networks and smaller ISPs may use SORBS, major providers like Gmail and Yahoo often rely more heavily on their internal reputation systems or other larger, more actively maintained blocklists. This means that for many senders, a SORBS listing might result in only a minimal percentage of bounces, if any.
The non-payment approach to delisting
The key takeaway is this: you generally do not need to pay. Many in the email community advise against it because it does not address the root cause of the listing and can set a precedent. Instead, the typical and effective approach involves engaging directly with their support, even if the initial response appears automated.
The delisting process
If you find your IP address on a SORBS blacklist, here is a step-by-step approach to seek delisting without payment:
Verify listing: First, confirm your IP or domain is indeed listed. You can use a blocklist checker to do this.
Identify the cause: Before contacting them, try to understand why you were listed. This might involve checking your mail logs for suspicious activity, open relays, or recent bulk email campaigns. Resolving the underlying issue is paramount to prevent re-listing.
Initial contact: Contact SORBS support through their official channels. This often means using a delisting form on their website. Do not be discouraged by an automated or "robot" response. It is a common experience, but persistence can lead to a human interaction.
Request evidence: In your reply to the automated message, clearly state that you've addressed any potential issues and politely request the headers or specific evidence related to your listing. This helps you pinpoint the exact spam incident or misconfiguration that led to the block. They are typically willing to provide this information.
Follow up: Once you have the evidence and have verified the issue is resolved on your end, reiterate your request for delisting. Many users report successful delisting within 48 hours after initiating this direct communication.
It is important to remember that while the impact of a SORBS listing might be minor for your overall deliverability, proactively addressing it demonstrates good sender hygiene. This process applies whether you are a corporate entity or dealing with a Gsuite IP blacklisted on SORBS.
Proactive measures to avoid re-listing
Preventing future blocklist (or blacklist) listings, including those from SORBS, is far more effective than reacting to them. Robust email deliverability practices are your best defense.
Key preventative measures
Maintain clean mailing lists: Regularly clean your email lists to remove inactive or invalid addresses. This reduces bounces and avoids spam traps. Utilize double opt-in for new subscribers.
Monitor your sending reputation: Keep a close eye on your sender reputation metrics, such as complaint rates, bounce rates, and domain reputation. Early detection of issues can prevent a blocklist listing.
Implement email authentication: Ensure your SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are correctly configured. These protocols help verify your emails are legitimate and can significantly improve your deliverability, reducing the likelihood of being flagged as spam. Our simple guide to DMARC, SPF, and DKIM is a great starting point.
Regular blocklist monitoring: Proactive blocklist monitoring allows you to catch listings early and address them before they severely impact your email campaigns. This is a critical component of any strong email deliverability strategy.
By focusing on these preventative measures, you minimize the chances of your IP or domain ending up on any blacklist, including SORBS. It is about building and maintaining a strong sender reputation over time, which is much more valuable than a quick delisting.
Views from the trenches
Best practices
Always reply to the automated SORBS support email and politely ask for the headers or specific evidence related to your listing to get a human response.
Prioritize fixing the root cause of the listing (e.g., open relay, compromised account, list hygiene) before requesting delisting to prevent immediate re-listing.
Regularly monitor your IP and domain against various blocklists, not just SORBS, to catch issues early.
Common pitfalls
Paying any fee for delisting, as it does not solve the underlying problem and is generally advised against by the email community.
Assuming a SORBS listing will have a catastrophic impact on deliverability without first verifying its actual effect on your bounce rates.
Being a perfectionist about being on every single blocklist, as some are less influential or have problematic policies.
Expert tips
The impact of a SORBS listing is often minimal for many senders, especially those focusing on B2C, as major ISPs rely less on it.
For B2B senders, a SORBS listing might have a slightly higher, though still limited, impact.
Some blocklists have confusing or contradictory listing policies, and it is better to focus your efforts on the more impactful ones.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks says they contacted SORBS about a listing and received an automated reply suggesting a long wait, making them question if payment was necessary.
2019-08-15 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks says that replying to the automated SORBS message and asking for the listing headers is how to get a real person to assist.
2019-08-15 - Email Geeks
Prioritizing proactive email hygiene
While encountering a SORBS listing can be concerning, it is crucial to approach it strategically and avoid falling for any pay-to-delist traps. By understanding how SORBS operates, diligently identifying and resolving the root cause of the listing, and engaging directly with their support, you can successfully achieve delisting without incurring unnecessary costs.
More importantly, shift your focus to proactive email hygiene practices. Consistent list cleaning, robust email authentication, and continuous blocklist monitoring are your strongest allies in maintaining excellent email deliverability and ensuring your messages reliably reach the inbox.
Spamhaus
0Spam
Cisco
NoSolicitado
URIBL
abuse.ro
ALPHANET
Anonmails
Ascams
BLOCKEDSERVERS
Calivent Networks
EFnet
JustSpam
Kempt.net
NordSpam
RV-SOFT Technology
Scientific Spam
Spamikaze
SpamRATS
SPFBL
Suomispam
System 5 Hosting
Team Cymru
Validity
www.blocklist.de Fail2Ban-Reporting Service
ZapBL
2stepback.dk
Fayntic Services
ORB UK
technoirc.org
TechTheft
Gmail and 
Yahoo often rely more heavily on their internal reputation systems or other larger, more actively maintained blocklists. This means that for many senders, a SORBS listing might result in only a minimal percentage of bounces, if any.
