How to remove IP address from 0spam blacklist?

Summary

Removing an IP address from the 0spam blacklist, and other blacklists, involves several steps. Primarily, you must understand the specific reasons for being blacklisted by contacting the blacklist directly. Correct any issues that led to the listing, and prove you've taken steps to fix them. For 0spam specifically, they charge for delisting Class C IP ranges. General best practices include authenticating emails with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC; improving your sender reputation by sending consistently, honoring unsubscribe requests promptly, and removing inactive subscribers; and monitoring your IP reputation using tools like MXToolbox and GlockApps. Remember that the effectiveness of 0spam and some other blacklists may be questioned, and the delisting process can take time.

Key findings

  • 0spam Charges: 0spam charges a fee for delisting Class C IP ranges.
  • Contact Directly: Contacting the blacklist directly is crucial to understanding the reason for being listed and the required steps for removal.
  • Authentication Matters: Implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC authentication helps improve sender reputation and reduce the likelihood of future blacklisting.
  • Monitoring is Key: Regularly monitoring your IP reputation and blacklist status allows for early detection and correction of deliverability issues.
  • Best Practices Prevail: Adhering to email marketing best practices, such as permission-based marketing and maintaining clean lists, is essential for preventing blacklisting.

Key considerations

  • Substantive Blocks: Determine whether the 0spam listing is causing significant blocks or just a few isolated cases.
  • Afternorth Ownership: Consider that 0spam is owned by Afternorth, but their responsiveness to removal requests may vary.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Identify and address the underlying issues that led to the blacklisting before requesting removal.
  • Time Commitment: Be prepared for a potentially lengthy delisting process, as it can take 24-48 hours or longer for changes to take effect.
  • Varying Criteria: Recognize that each blacklist has its own criteria and delisting processes, requiring a tailored approach.

What email marketers say
11Marketer opinions

Removing an IP address from the 0spam blacklist involves understanding the reasons for the listing, which may require direct communication with 0spam. Some sources suggest that 0spam charges for delisting Class C IP ranges. General best practices include authenticating email with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC; maintaining a good sender reputation by sending consistently to engaged subscribers and promptly honoring unsubscribe requests; and monitoring bounce rates to identify and address potential issues. Checking blacklists using tools like MXToolbox or BlacklistAlert, and regularly monitoring IP reputation are also advisable.

Key opinions

  • 0spam Delisting Fee: 0spam may charge a fee for delisting Class C IP ranges, potentially requiring an 'asset management' payment.
  • Contact 0spam Directly: Communicating directly with 0spam is crucial for understanding the specific reasons for the listing and the delisting process.
  • Check Blacklists: Utilize tools such as MXToolbox or BlacklistAlert to check if your IP address is on any public blacklists.
  • Monitor Reputation: Continually monitor your SenderBase Reputation score (Talos Intelligence) and IP reputation through tools like GlockApps to ensure your emails are not marked as spam.

Key considerations

  • Impact of Blocks: Assess whether 0spam is causing significant blocks or if the impact is minimal, as some suggest that its usage by major receivers may be limited.
  • Authentication: Implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC email authentication protocols to improve sender reputation and reduce the likelihood of being blacklisted.
  • Sender Reputation: Maintain a good sender reputation by sending consistently to engaged subscribers, promptly honoring unsubscribe requests, and removing inactive subscribers.
  • Proactive Monitoring: Monitor bounce rates, IP reputation, and blacklist status regularly to identify and address potential deliverability issues early on.
  • Time to Removal: Understand that even after resolving the issues causing the listing and requesting removal, it can take 24-48 hours or longer for the IP address to be delisted.
Marketer view

Email marketer from SendPulse explains that improving sender reputation involves authenticating email with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, sending consistently, and removing inactive subscribers.

October 2023 - SendPulse
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks asks if 0spam is actually causing substantive blocks or if the numbers are really low, and questions if any receiver at scale uses them.

October 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailonAcid states to check your IP address isn't on any public blacklists, and use a website such as https://mxtoolbox.com/blacklists.aspx to achieve this

August 2023 - EmailonAcid
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit recommends contacting the blacklist directly to understand the reason for listing and the steps required for removal. They also noted that some blacklists automatically delist after a period of inactivity.

April 2024 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from TalosIntelligence recommends you continually check your SenderBase Reputation score to ensure your emails aren't marked as spam, or your emails might be blocked. Check it at https://www.talosintelligence.com

May 2023 - TalosIntelligence
Marketer view

Email marketer from GlockApps explains that monitoring IP reputation is crucial for identifying potential deliverability issues early, and they recommend using their tools to track blacklist status and sender score.

March 2023 - GlockApps
Marketer view

Email marketer from WhatIsMyIP.com mentions that it can take 24-48 hours after resolving the issues which caused the listing and requesting removal, but may take longer. It states to use proper authentication such as SPF, DKIM and DMARC in the future

April 2023 - WhatIsMyIP.com
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailjet shares that preventing blacklisting involves permission-based marketing, honoring unsubscribe requests promptly, and monitoring bounce rates to identify and address issues proactively.

May 2023 - Mailjet
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks explains that 0spam charges for de-listing Class Cs, which they state "is not a good sign."

May 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from NeilPatel.com shares that you can check if your IP is blacklisted using tools like MXToolbox or BlacklistAlert, and that many blacklists have their own delisting process, often involving filling out a form or meeting certain criteria.

May 2022 - NeilPatel.com
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackExchange states IP addresses need to have reverse DNS set up, HELO/EHLO and the from: should match, and should implement SPF, DKIM and DMARC to help reduce being added to block lists

May 2024 - StackExchange

What the experts say
4Expert opinions

Removing an IP address from the 0spam blacklist requires understanding the reasons for the listing and taking corrective action. Direct communication with 0spam and demonstrating that you've addressed the underlying issues are crucial. Also ensure you are following email marketing best practices, including obtaining consent, maintaining clean lists, and authenticating your email. Some experts question the reliability and impact of 0spam's larger IP blocklists.

Key opinions

  • Direct Contact: Direct communication with 0spam is essential for understanding the specific reasons for being listed and the required steps for removal.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Identifying and addressing the underlying cause of the blacklisting is crucial for successful removal.
  • Best Practices: Following email marketing best practices, such as obtaining consent, maintaining clean lists, and authenticating email, is necessary to prevent future blacklisting.
  • 0spam Reliability: The effectiveness and reliability of 0spam's blocklists, especially those larger than /32s, is questioned by some experts.

Key considerations

  • Impact Assessment: Evaluate the actual impact of the 0spam listing on email deliverability, as its usage among major receivers may be limited.
  • Documentation: Gather documentation and evidence demonstrating corrective actions taken to address the issues that led to blacklisting.
  • Afternorth Ownership: Be aware that 0spam is owned by Afternorth, although their responsiveness to delisting requests is uncertain.
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks asks if the sender is actually seeing rejections due to 0spam and notes that 0spam doesn’t recommend people use their list of bigger than /32s.

April 2022 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise states that contacting and working with blocklists directly is essential, as is ensuring you understand why you were listed in the first place and demonstrating you’ve taken steps to correct the problem.

January 2022 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise advises following email marketing best practices to prevent blacklisting including obtaining consent, maintaining clean lists, and authenticating your email.

December 2021 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks shares that 0spam is owned by Afternorth, but is unsure how friendly they would be if contacted.

December 2023 - Email Geeks

What the documentation says
4Technical articles

Removing an IP address from various email blacklists requires understanding each blacklist's specific criteria and delisting procedures. 0spam charges a fee for delisting Class C IP ranges, requiring an 'asset management' payment. Spamhaus lists IPs based on spamming activity or malicious behavior, necessitating addressing the root cause and submitting a delisting request. Microsoft provides a troubleshooter form for blocked senders to initiate an investigation. BarracudaCentral requires filling out a removal request form with server and sending practice details, emphasizing adherence to best practices, though removal isn't guaranteed.

Key findings

  • Paid Delisting: 0spam charges a fee for delisting Class C IP ranges.
  • Root Cause Resolution: Spamhaus requires addressing the root cause of the listing before a delisting request can be submitted.
  • Specific Removal Requests: BarracudaCentral requires a detailed removal request form outlining server and sending practices.
  • Microsoft Investigation: Microsoft provides a troubleshooter form to initiate an investigation into blocked senders.

Key considerations

  • Best Practices Adherence: Following email sending best practices is crucial for preventing blacklisting and increasing the likelihood of successful removal.
  • Varying Procedures: Each blacklist has its own specific criteria and delisting procedures, requiring a tailored approach for each.
  • No Guarantee: Removal from BarracudaCentral is not guaranteed, even if a removal request is submitted.
  • Thorough Investigation: Microsoft investigates blocked senders, implying a need for accurate and detailed information in the troubleshooter form.
Technical article

Documentation from BarracudaCentral explains that to request removal, you must visit their website and fill out a removal request form with specific details about your server and sending practices. They state that not all requests are granted and emphasize the importance of following best practices.

November 2023 - BarracudaCentral
Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft details how to troubleshoot blocked senders, explains to fill out the sender information form and that they will investigate further. Found here: https://sendersupport.olc.protection.outlook.com/pm/troubleshoot.aspx

February 2023 - Microsoft
Technical article

Documentation from Spamhaus explains that their listing criteria includes evidence of spamming activity, malware distribution, or other malicious behavior, and delisting requires addressing the root cause of the listing and submitting a delisting request.

April 2023 - Spamhaus
Technical article

Documentation from 0spam.org explains that they charge for delisting Class C IP ranges. They require asset management payment, found here: https://0spam.org/IP-Domain-Asset-Management.

December 2023 - 0spam.org