---
title: "How to check if your domain is blocklisted"
date: "2026-05-11T09:52:08"
url: "https://www.godaddy.com/resources/skills/how-to-check-if-domain-is-blocklisted"
---
# How to check if your domain is blocklisted

Getting your emails flagged as spam or seeing your website traffic suddenly drop can be frustrating, especially when you’re not sure why it’s happening. One possible cause is a blocklisted domain. When your domain ends up on a blocklist, it can affect your email deliverability, search visibility, and overall credibility online.

Knowing how to check your domain status puts you back in control. This guide walks through what domain blocklisting is, what causes it, and how to quickly find out if your domain has been flagged so you can fix the issue and move forward.

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNinUWaXqr8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNinUWaXqr8)

## What is domain blocklisting?

Domain blocklisting is when our domain gets flagged by email providers, security tools, or search engines as potentially unsafe or suspicious. This usually occurs when there are signs of spam, malware, or other risky behavior tied to your domain.

Once flagged, your domain may be added to one or more blocklists that organizations use to decide what to trust. These lists help protect users, but they can also impact legitimate businesses if something goes wrong.

It’s also important to understand that blocklisting isn’t limited to email. A flagged domain can affect how your site appears, functions, and performs across multiple channels. If you’re unfamiliar with key domain terms, our [domain glossary](https://www.godaddy.com/resources/skills/domain-glossary) can help you get up to speed before you dive further into blocklisting.

### How domain blocklisting impacts your business

A blocklisted domain can create problems that go beyond a single campaign or channel. It can affect how customers find you, trust you, and interact with your brand.

- **Email deliverability:** Your emails may land in spam folders or get blocked entirely
- **Sender reputation:** Email providers may view your domain as untrustworthy, making future campaigns less effective
- **Brand trust:** Customers may hesitate to engage if your domain is flagged or associated with spam
- **Revenue loss:** Missed emails and reduced traffic can lead to fewer conversions and sales
- **Website visibility:** Search engines or browsers may warn users or limit access to your site

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## Signs your domain may be blocklisted

Blocklisting doesn’t always come with a clear warning. Instead, the signs tend to show up in your performance data. Paying attention to these changes can help you catch issues early before they start affecting your business more seriously.

Related: [How to fix the “not secure” warning on your website](https://www.godaddy.com/resources/skills/not-secure-warning-what-happened)

### Sudden spike in email bounce rates

A sharp increase in bounced emails is often one of the earliest signs of trouble. If your domain or IP has been flagged, receiving servers may reject your messages outright. This can happen quickly and often before you realize there’s an underlying issue.

### Significant drop in email open rates

If your [business emails](https://www.godaddy.com/email/professional-business-email) are being filtered into spam folders instead of inboxes, your open rates will take a hit. This drop can be easy to miss if you’re not regularly monitoring your email analytics, especially across ongoing campaigns.

### Spam complaint alerts from your ESP

Email service providers (ESPs) track how often recipients mark your messages as spam. A sudden increase in complaints is a sign that your domain may be losing trust. Many platforms will notify you when this happens, so you have a chance to act before further damage is done.

### Browser warnings when visiting your website

If your domain has been flagged for security concerns, visitors may see warnings when trying to access your site. These alerts can discourage users from continuing, which can impact both traffic and credibility almost immediately.

### Drop in organic traffic or Google search visibility

An unexplained drop in traffic, especially when it’s not tied to a known algorithm update, can signal a problem. If your domain has been flagged, search engines may reduce your visibility or display warnings, making it harder for users to find your site despite your best [SEO efforts](https://www.godaddy.com/online-marketing/seo-services).

## How to check if your domain is blocklisted (step-by-step)

Checking whether your domain is blocklisted is usually easier than it sounds. Most of these checks are free and only take a few minutes to complete. Work through them one at a time to figure out where the problem is coming from and what needs attention first.

### Step 1: Run a DNSBL lookup

Start with a Domain Name System-based blocklist lookup (DNSBL). This shows if your domain or sending IP address appears on common email blocklists used by mail servers and spam filters. If you show up on one or more lists, that’s a strong sign your domain reputation has taken a hit.

Related: [What is a dedicated IP?](https://www.godaddy.com/resources/skills/what-is-a-dedicated-ip-address)

### Step 2: Test email deliverability

Send test emails to a few different inbox providers and check where they land. If messages are going to spam, getting blocked, or bouncing back, your domain may be listed on one or more blocklists. Using professional email tools like[GoDaddy Microsoft 365 Email](https://www.godaddy.com/email/professional-business-email) can make it easier to monitor deliverability and keep your setup in good shape.

### Step 3: Check Google Safe Browsing and Search Console

Google identifies domains for malware, phishing, or other security issues. Checking [Safe Browsing](https://safebrowsing.google.com/) and reviewing messages in [Google Search Console](https://search.google.com/search-console/about) can help you spot warnings tied to your site. If your pages are being flagged, your search visibility and user trust can drop quickly. If viruses are a concern, consider adopting the [GoDaddy x Norton small business antivirus](https://www.godaddy.com/web-security/small-business-antivirus) solution.

### Step 4: Audit your domain reputation score

Your domain reputation score reflects how trustworthy your domain looks to inbox providers, browsers, and security platforms. A poor score can lead to blocked emails, spam placement, and reduced visibility. This step helps you understand if the issue is isolated or part of a broader trust problem.

### Step 5: Scan for malware and phishing flags

Malware, hacked files, and phishing content are common reasons domains end up on blocklists. Running a security scan can help uncover hidden issues on your site before they cause more damage.[GoDaddy Website Security](https://www.godaddy.com/web-security/website-security) can help you scan, protect, and monitor your website for threats.

### Step 6: Review server and DNS configuration

A misconfigured server or missing DNS records can create deliverability and security problems that look suspicious to providers. Check that your Sender Policy Framework (SPF), DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM), and Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC) records are set up correctly, and ensure your SSL certificate is working as expected. If you’re not sure how, learn how to[troubleshoot common SSL issues](https://www.godaddy.com/resources/skills/ssl-issues) with this article.

### Step 7: Check domain history

Past misuse can still affect your domain’s reputation, especially if you bought it recently. Looking into previous ownership, archived content, and historical activity can reveal problems that didn’t start with you. You can do this using the GoDaddy WhoIs Tool. For a more in-depth guide, check out this article on [how to check a domain’s history](https://www.godaddy.com/resources/skills/check-domain-history).

## Types of blocklists explained

Not all domain blocklists work the same way. Some focus on email activity, while others look at website security or user safety. Email-based blocklists are the most common, but browser and search engine warnings tend to be the most visible since they directly affect how people access your site.

### Email/DNS-based blocklists (DNSBL)

These are the most widely used blocklists and primarily affect email deliverability. DNSBLs track domains and IP addresses that send spam or suspicious email activity. Mail servers check these lists before accepting incoming messages, so being listed can result in blocked or bounced emails.

### Domain reputation blocklists

Domain reputation systems evaluate how trustworthy your domain appears over time. They consider factors like sending behavior, engagement, and past activity. A poor reputation can impact both email placement and overall trust, even if you’re not on a traditional blocklist.

### Security and malware blocklists

These blocklists focus on website safety. If your site is infected with malware, hosts phishing content, or has been compromised, security tools may add your domain to their lists. This can trigger warnings, block access, or limit how users interact with your site.

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQvcumnp6bg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQvcumnp6bg)

### Browser and search engine blocklists

Browsers and search engines maintain their own systems to protect users from unsafe websites. If your domain is marked as risky, visitors may see warning pages before entering your site, and your rankings may drop. These are often the most noticeable issues because they directly impact user experience.

### Why email and SEO blocklists are separate systems

Email and SEO blocklists operate independently and serve different purposes. Email systems focus on sending behavior and spam prevention, while search engines and browsers prioritize user safety and content integrity. Because of this, it’s possible to have strong search visibility but poor email deliverability, or vice versa.

## Why your domain got blocklisted: root cause diagnosis

Before you can get your domain off blocklists, you need to figure out why it was blocklisted in the first place. In most cases, the issue comes down to email practices, security gaps, or past domain activity.

### Poor email list hygiene

Sending emails to outdated, invalid, or purchased lists can quickly damage your reputation. These lists often include inactive addresses or spam traps, which lead to high bounce rates and warning signals for blocklist providers. Regularly cleaning your list and removing unengaged subscribers helps maintain a healthier sending profile.

### High spam complaint rates

When recipients mark your emails as spam, it sends a direct signal to email providers that your content isn’t wanted. Even a small spike in complaints can hurt your credibility. Over time, this can lead to blocked messages or placement on email blocklists, especially if the trend continues without correction.

### Compromised server or website

If your website or server is hacked, it can be used to send spam, host malware, or redirect users without your knowledge. This kind of activity often leads to security-related blocklists. Keeping your site secure with tools like[SSL certificates](https://www.godaddy.com/web-security/ssl-certificate) can help protect your domain and your visitors. Read this “[What is an SSL Certificate](https://www.godaddy.com/resources/skills/ssl-ultimate-guide)?” guide for more details.

### Inherited blocklist history from a previously owned domain

If you purchased a previously registered domain, it may have a history you didn’t expect. Past owners could have used it for spam, phishing, or other harmful activity, which can still affect its reputation. Check out our “[What is Domain Hijacking](https://www.godaddy.com/resources/skills/domain-hijacking)?” and “[What is Cybersquatting](https://www.godaddy.com/resources/skills/what-is-domain-squatting-and-what-can-you-do-about-it)?” articles to learn more about common threats to your domain.

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## How to remove your domain from a blocklist

Blocklisting isn’t permanent, but fixing it takes time and strategy. Start by identifying and resolving the root cause, then follow each blocklist provider’s removal process. As you go, document what issues you found, when you fixed them, and how, so you can track progress and quickly troubleshoot if problems come back.

### What to do when delisting goes wrong

If your removal request gets rejected, it usually means the root issue wasn’t fully resolved, or there wasn’t enough detail in your submission. Take time to re-audit your setup, double-check fixes, and gather clear evidence before trying again.

If you can’t pinpoint the cause at all, it may be worth bringing in a professional. Ongoing issues without a clear source can lead to repeated blocklistings and more long-term damage.

### When to consider a new domain

Starting over with a new domain should be a last resort. In some cases — like severe or repeated issues tied to a domain’s history — it may be the fastest path forward. However, switching domains comes with its own challenges, including rebuilding trust, email reputation, and search visibility. Exhaust all cleanup and delisting options before considering this route.

## How to prevent blocklisting in the future

Preventing domain blocklisting comes down to staying proactive with your email practices, security, and domain management. Small, consistent steps can make a big difference in protecting your reputation over time.

Focus on keeping your email lists clean and permission-based, ideally using double opt-in to ensure subscribers actually want to hear from you. Monitor your domain and email performance regularly to catch unusual activity early. Keep your website secure with up-to-date software and strong protections in place, and make sure your DNS and email authentication settings stay properly configured. For extra protection, consider using a tool like [Sucuri Security](https://sucuri.net/).

If domain maintenance feels overwhelming or you simply prefer to let pros handle the technical aspects of your website, check out the [GoDaddy web hosting](https://www.godaddy.com/hosting/web-hosting) plans.

## Frequently asked questions

### How long does blocklist removal usually take?

It depends on the blocklist and how quickly you resolve the root issue. Some removals happen within a few hours after you submit a request, while others can take several days. If the problem isn’t fully fixed, the process can take longer or require multiple attempts.

### Can a brand-new domain get blocklisted?

Yes, a new domain can be blocklisted if it shows suspicious behavior early on. Sending large volumes of emails without warming up your domain, using poor-quality lists, or having misconfigured DNS records can all trigger issues.

### How often should I check my domain's blocklist status?

It’s a good idea to check your domain’s blocklist status regularly, especially if you rely on email marketing or website traffic. A monthly check works for most businesses, but more frequent monitoring can help if you send emails often. Keeping an eye on performance metrics like bounce rates and traffic can also alert you to problems between checks.

### Should I buy a domain that's been blocklisted?

In most cases, it’s best to avoid domains with a negative history. While some issues can be resolved, others may continue to affect email deliverability and trust. If you’re considering one, research its history carefully and be prepared for extra cleanup work. For most businesses, starting with a clean domain is the safer and more efficient option.