Why IPs typically get listed
Most DNSBL listings share common root causes, and BlockedServers likely follows the same pattern.
Spam complaints from recipients are a frequent trigger.
Recipients mark mail as spam, and providers report that back to blocklists.
A compromised mail server is another common cause.
Malware or a hacked account can send spam without an admin noticing right away.
Spam traps also cause listings.
These are addresses that never opted in, so any mail to them signals a dirty list.
Missing email authentication matters too.
Without SPF, DKIM, or DMARC set up correctly, mail looks more suspicious to filters and blocklists.
Poor list hygiene adds risk.
Sending to old, unverified, or purchased address lists raises bounce and complaint rates.
For the netscan zone specifically, the trigger is likely different.
Based on the name, it probably reacts to port scanning or probing activity, not mail content.
A compromised device on your network scanning for open ports could trigger this specific zone.
Misconfigured firewalls or exposed services can make a server look like it's scanning others.
That's a different fix than cleaning up spam, so don't assume one change clears every zone.
How to check if you're listed
Start with a direct DNS lookup against each of the four zones.
Reverse your IP address and query it against each zone name.
For example, for IP 192.0.2.1, you would query 1.2.0.192.rbl.blockedservers.com.
Repeat that same pattern for the other three zones.
Tools like dig or nslookup on Linux and Mac work fine for this.
On Windows, nslookup works the same way from a command prompt.
A returned IP address, usually in the 127.0.0.x range, means you are listed.
No answer means you are clear on that specific zone.
Most admins skip manual DNS lookups and use a blacklist checker tool instead.
These tools query dozens of DNSBLs at once, including all four BlockedServers zones.
That gives you results for every zone in one place.
DNS results can be cached, so a fresh lookup sometimes takes a few minutes to update.
If you just fixed something, wait a bit before re-checking to get an accurate answer.
How to get removed
Public information on BlockedServers' exact removal steps is limited.
This section follows the standard DNSBL process instead of guessing at specifics.
First, confirm the listing on the specific zone or zones affected.
Removal steps can differ if the netscan and spam zones treat causes differently.
Second, fix the underlying issue before requesting removal.
Clean up compromised accounts, tighten authentication, and stop any scanning activity from your network.
Third, look for a self-service delisting option on the operator's own site.
Many DNSBL operators, including smaller ones, offer a lookup page with a removal form.
If no self-service form is available, check the domain's WHOIS record for an abuse contact address.
A specific fee or contact address was not confirmed.
Verify current details directly before assuming a cost.
Because BlockedServers runs four separate zones, a fix for one zone will not clear the others.
Submit a removal request for each zone where your IP appears.
Keep a short record of what you fixed and when.
If the operator asks for evidence the problem is resolved, you'll have it ready.
How long it typically takes
Since delisting is described as manual across all four zones, expect a review period.
An exact processing time was not confirmed, so treat any specific number of hours with caution.
Plan for a wait of at least a few days after submitting a request.
Check back if you hear nothing after that.
If your underlying issue reappears, expect the IP to get relisted and the process to start over.
Once you're delisted, test mail delivery to a few real inboxes.
That confirms the fix worked beyond just the DNSBL check itself.
Try our Blacklist Monitoring tool for free today.
FAQ
How do I check if my IP is on the BlockedServers blacklist?
Query your IP's reversed address against each of the four BlockedServers zones using a DNS lookup tool. A returned IP address means you are listed on that zone. You can also use a blacklist monitoring tool that checks multiple DNSBLs at once. That saves you from running four separate lookups by hand.
How do I remove my IP from BlockedServers?
First confirm which of the four zones lists your IP, since each may need its own request. Fix the cause, whether that's a compromised server, spam complaints, or scanning activity, before asking for removal. Then look for a delisting option on the operator's own site, or contact them through whatever channel they provide. Expect a manual review rather than instant removal.
What's the difference between BlockedServers' four zones?
Rbl.blockedservers.com is the general zone covering broad abuse. Spam.rbl.blockedservers.com focuses on spam-sending IPs specifically. Netscan.rbl.blockedservers.com appears to target network scanning or port probing, based on its name. All.rbl.blockedservers.com looks like a combined zone that flags an IP if it appears on any of the others.
Does BlockedServers charge a fee for delisting?
No fee was confirmed through public sources at the time of writing. Many smaller DNSBL operators offer free delisting once the issue is fixed. Still, verify current policy directly with BlockedServers before assuming there is no cost. Don't rely on secondhand claims about pricing without checking the source yourself.
Will BlockedServers relist my IP after removal?
Yes, if the same problem returns. DNSBLs generally relist an IP that goes back to spamming, gets compromised again, or resumes scanning behavior. The safest approach is to fix the root cause fully, not just request removal and hope it doesn't recur. Ongoing monitoring helps you catch a relisting fast if it happens.
