Issue
Many of the world's largest inbox providers use block lists to help them make filtering decisions. This guide gives recommendations for users to help avoid their email getting blocked.
Notice: If you request delisting from a blocking service, and don't do anything to change the behavior that caused the listing in the first place, you should expect to be blocked again. Multiple blocks from the same provider can make it progressively harder to get delisted. We recommend users not request delisting from major block lists without a plan in place to address the issue that caused the listing! Learn more about how to avoid and mitigate risk of blocking here.
Product
Email
Cause
Block list overview
Ending up on a block list can be detrimental to your domain’s email deliverability. These days, there are hundreds, maybe thousands of block lists out there. Some, like the Spamhaus SBL, can bring your email program to a screeching halt. Others are little more than an annoyance. If you find that your IP address has been blocked by one of the many legitimate services, then submitting a delisting request is the top priority.
In general, popular blocking services should accept delisting requests at no charge to you. We would recommend not bothering with services that say they don't accept delisting requests, or services that ask you to pay a fee for delisting.
Solution
Shared IP plans (Free and Essentials)
Spamhaus deny list: If you are using a shared IP plan, and you notice a block message from Spamhaus based on one of our IP addresses, please know that we are already working with Spamhaus directly to address the issue. You do not need to make an additional request through our support team.
Other deny lists: If you are using a shared IP plan, and you notice a block message from any other deny list based on one of our IP addresses, please note that blocklists are a natural part of sending email through shared IP Pools. The large majority of these blocklists do not have an impact on your deliverability, and often self-mitigate over time. That said, we actively monitor these listings to ensure appropriate actions are taken to ensure email deliverability.
Dedicated IP plans (Pro, and Premier)
We ask that our dedicated IP plan users submit the initial delisting request if they discover their SendGrid IP on a block list. Dedicated IP addresses are only assigned to one account at a time, so we expect these users to take responsibility for all of the mail that is sent through their account. SendGrid will still be happy to step in and assist with these delisting requests if the listing service requires the IP administrator to take action, or if the delisting form is too complicated.
Please note in the event that a sending domain (and not the IP address) is blocked, that domain’s controller will be responsible for handling the delisting request.
Checking your IP address
Here are 2 aggregation websites that anyone can use to check on the status of their IP:
Delisting request forms
Below are links to the delisting forms for common external blocking services: