Domain blacklist checker

Why check if your domain is blacklisted?

Domain blacklists (URIBL, SURBL, Spamhaus DBL) analyze email content, not just the sender's IP. If your domain appears in spam, your legitimate emails will also be filtered, even with a clean IP and perfect SPF/DKIM/DMARC setup.

Impact of a blacklisted domain:

• Emails landing in spam when they contain links to your site
• Brand reputation damage (association with spam)
• Phishing detected: third parties are spoofing your domain in their spam

Three reasons to check regularly:

• Detect if spammers are using your domain (phishing, malicious links)
• Identify a compromised website being used as a spam vector
• Verify a new domain before using it for email marketing

Difference between IP blacklists and domain blacklists

Why both matter:

• Clean IP + blacklisted domain = emails go to spam
• Blacklisted IP + clean domain = emails rejected
• Test both for a complete deliverability diagnosis

How does URIBL/SURBL checking work?

When a mail server receives an email, it analyzes the content and extracts domains from links. Each domain is checked against blacklists via a DNS query:

# To check example.com on URIBL black:
dig A example.com.black.uribl.com

# Response if listed:
127.0.0.2  → Domain in active spam

# Response if clean:
NXDOMAIN (no response = not listed)

Our tool performs this check on 8+ lists simultaneously and interprets the return codes for a clear diagnosis.

Domain blacklists checked by the tool

Tier 1 - Critical

Tier 2 - Important

Tier 3 - Additional

IVMURI, fresh15.spameatingmonkey.net and other lists specializing in suspicious new domains.

Understanding your domain reputation score

Real-world diagnostic cases

Case 1: Domain listed on Spamhaus DBL

Symptom: Emails with links to your site landing in spam

Diagnosis:

• Spamhaus DBL = domain found in active spam
• Critical impact on all emails containing links to this domain

Actions:

1. Check if your site is compromised (malware, phishing pages)
2. Investigate if third parties are spoofing your domain (phishing)
3. Request delisting via Spamhaus DBL Removal
4. Timeframe: 24-48 hours after fixing the issue

Case 2: Domain listed on URIBL grey

Symptom: Emails sometimes landing in spam for certain recipients

Diagnosis:

• URIBL grey = mixed reputation, no confirmed spam
• Moderate impact, depends on recipient filter sensitivity

Actions:

1. Review your email practices (opt-in, frequency, content)
2. Avoid URL shorteners and suspicious links
3. Improve engagement (reduce spam complaints)
4. Request delisting via URIBL Lookup

Case 3: Domain listed on SURBL phish

Symptom: Emails rejected with "phishing detected" message

Diagnosis:

• SURBL phish = domain identified as a phishing page
• Potential site compromise or brand impersonation

Actions:

1. Perform a complete security audit of your website
2. Search for injected phishing pages (often in /wp-content/, /uploads/)
3. Change administrator passwords
4. Request delisting after complete cleanup

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Q: How do I check if my domain is blacklisted?

A: Enter your domain in the tool above and click 'Check'. Within seconds, you'll see if your domain is listed on major blacklists (Spamhaus DBL, URIBL, SURBL). A score and grade indicate the overall status.

Q: What's the difference between IP and domain blacklists?

A: DNSBL (IP) lists servers that send spam. URIBL/SURBL (domain) lists domains found in spam content. You can have a clean IP but a blacklisted domain if spammers put links to your site.

Q: What are URIBL and SURBL?

A: These are lists of domains extracted from spam content. Unlike IP blacklists, they analyze URLs in email bodies. SpamAssassin and most filters use them.

Q: Why is my domain blacklisted?

A: Common causes: phishing impersonating your brand, compromised site, links to suspicious pages, or an old page hosting malware. Sometimes a subdomain is enough to trigger listing.

Q: How do I remove my domain from a blacklist?

A: Each list has its own procedure. Spamhaus DBL: fix the issue + submit form (24-48 hours). URIBL: online request. SURBL: often automatic after 1-2 weeks. Our tool provides direct links.

Q: My domain is on URIBL grey, is that serious?

A: Less serious than black (confirmed spam) or red (phishing). Grey indicates mixed reputation. Some strict filters still block it. Improve your email practices.

Q: How often should I check?

A: After any security incident or major email campaign. For routine: monthly for email marketing domains. Immediately if customers complain about not receiving emails.

Complementary tools

Useful resources

• Spamhaus DBL - Domain Block List (official documentation)
• URIBL - URI Blacklist (verification and delisting)
• SURBL - Spam URI Realtime Blacklists (documentation and statistics)
• Google - Email Sender Guidelines (Gmail requirements)