How to remove your server IP from Spamhaus

Quick answer

Spamhaus runs the blocklists most mail servers trust, so a listing there can stop your outbound email cold. Removal is straightforward once you’ve fixed the cause — but not before. Here’s the process.

Step 1: Identify which Spamhaus list you’re on

Spamhaus maintains several lists, and the one you’re on dictates the fix. The SBL flags IPs sending spam; the CSS targets snowshoe and low-volume spam; the XBL flags compromised or malware-infected machines; and the PBL is a policy list marking IP ranges (like residential connections) that shouldn’t be sending mail directly. Look your IP up on Spamhaus’s own check page to see which applies.

Step 2: Fix the cause based on the list

For an SBL or CSS listing, find and stop the spam source — a compromised account, a hijacked script, or a misconfigured mailer. For an XBL listing, your server or a device is likely infected or acting as an open proxy; clean it and close the hole. For a PBL listing, you’re sending mail from a range not meant for it — route outbound mail through your ISP’s or a transactional provider’s relay instead.

Step 3: Confirm authentication is correct

Before requesting removal, make sure your mail server has valid reverse DNS (a PTR record) and passing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. Mail systems treat a server with broken rDNS as suspicious regardless of Spamhaus status, so fixing this prevents an immediate re-listing.

Step 4: Submit the removal request

Use the Spamhaus removal form linked from your IP’s listing page. SBL and XBL removals often process quickly once the issue is resolved; some self-service removals are near-instant. Be honest about what you fixed — requesting removal while still spamming gets the IP re-listed and harder to clear later.

Step 5: Verify and monitor

After delisting, re-check with our Blacklist Check tool to confirm you’re clear across the major lists, not just Spamhaus. Then watch your bounce rates — if you re-list, the cause wasn’t fully resolved.