How To Check if Your Domain Is Blacklisted

If your domain is blacklisted, it can seriously affect your ability to send emails - causing your messages to bounce, land in spam, or be blocked altogether. Fortunately, it’s easy to check if you’re listed and take steps to resolve the issue.

1. What Is A Blacklist

A blacklist is a list of domains or IP addresses that have been flagged for suspicious, spam-like, or harmful activity. Email providers and spam filters use these lists to help block unwanted or malicious messages. However, sometimes legitimate senders can be listed by mistake - especially if a domain was newly registered or email settings aren’t properly configured.

2. Signs You Might Be Blacklisted

• Emails regularly going to spam folders

• High bounce rates with errors like “rejected” or “blocked”

• Recipients not receiving your emails at all

• A drop in open or engagement rates

3. How To Check If You're Blacklisted

You can check if your domain is listed on any known blacklists in two ways:

Option 1 - Using the AeroWave Dashboard (Recommended):

• Log in to your AeroWave dashboard and head to your control panel

• Scroll down to Web Tools

• Run the Auto-Diagnostic scan on your domain

• The tool will check key deliverability issues, including blacklist status

Option 2 - Use External Blacklist Tools:

If you prefer, you can also use free online tools to check your domain or IP against public blacklists:

• mxtoolbox.com/blacklists.aspx

• multirbl.valli.org

• dnschecker.org/blacklist-check.php

• intoDNS.com (for broader DNS checks)

Simply enter your domain name (e.g. yourdomain.com) or sending IP if you know it.

4. What To Do If You're Listed

• Check the explanation from the blacklist service - they usually provide a reason.

• If it’s due to missing SPF, DKIM, or DMARC, correct those records first.

• Many blacklists offer a removal or appeal process directly on their site.

• If your mail is sent via AeroWave, reach out to us and we’ll investigate and help you get delisted if needed.

5. Tips To Avoid Being Blacklisted

• Ensure your SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are up to date

• Never use purchased or outdated mailing lists

• Avoid misleading or spam-like subject lines

• Honour all unsubscribe requests promptly

• Monitor your email activity and reputation regularly

Need Help?

If you’re not sure where to start or what your scan results mean, reach out to us, we’re here to help.