> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.gcore.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# IP address is in blocklists

An IP address may be added to email reputation lists if it was previously used to send spam or bulk messages. When flagged, email providers may reject or filter outgoing messages from that address.

<Note>
  These lists are managed by independent organizations. Gcore cannot remove IP addresses from third-party services and does not permit use of its services for distributing spam, chain letters, or unsolicited bulk email per clause 6.4 of the [User Agreement](https://gcore.com/legal) and the Acceptable Use Policy. If delivery is affected, ordering an [additional IP](/hosting/dedicated-servers/manage/networking/additional-ip-addresses/buy-an-additional-ip-address) may help.
</Note>

## Reduce the risk

Best practices for sending email from a Gcore server:

* Send mail only to recipients who opted in.
* Include an unsubscribe link in every email.
* Configure SPF, DKIM, and PTR records correctly.

## Check if the IP is flagged

[MXToolbox](https://mxtoolbox.com/blacklists.aspx) checks a mail server IP against multiple email reputation databases.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Run a check on MXToolbox">
    Go to [MXToolbox](https://mxtoolbox.com/blacklists.aspx) and enter the server IP address in the **Server IP or Domain** field, then click **Blacklist Check**.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gcore/V15kwG_Lu6vldLKH/images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/troubleshooting/remove-your-ip-address-from-blacklists/remove-your-ip-address-from-blacklists-image1.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=V15kwG_Lu6vldLKH&q=85&s=c2260fe060fad7cbf7b5690cb1e2eca8" alt="MXToolbox check results showing LISTED entries" width="70%" data-path="images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/troubleshooting/remove-your-ip-address-from-blacklists/remove-your-ip-address-from-blacklists-image1.png" />
    </Frame>

    The tool checks the IP against multiple services and shows a **LISTED** or **OK** status for each.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the listing details">
    For each **LISTED** entry, click **Detail** to see the reason and removal instructions.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gcore/V15kwG_Lu6vldLKH/images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/troubleshooting/remove-your-ip-address-from-blacklists/remove-your-ip-address-from-blacklists-image2.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=V15kwG_Lu6vldLKH&q=85&s=9a394ca00d4bdf082348a4df600856e4" alt="LISTED entries with the Detail button highlighted" width="70%" data-path="images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/troubleshooting/remove-your-ip-address-from-blacklists/remove-your-ip-address-from-blacklists-image2.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Request removal">
    Follow the removal instructions provided by the operator. Most services require submitting a request through a web form or email.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gcore/V15kwG_Lu6vldLKH/images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/troubleshooting/remove-your-ip-address-from-blacklists/remove-your-ip-address-from-blacklists-image3.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=V15kwG_Lu6vldLKH&q=85&s=e05b8c621a204d152ac6aab15b74a06e" alt="Detail page showing the reason for listing" width="70%" data-path="images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/troubleshooting/remove-your-ip-address-from-blacklists/remove-your-ip-address-from-blacklists-image3.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for a response">
    Re-run the check periodically until the IP is no longer listed.
  </Step>
</Steps>
