Blacklisting allows you to mark a sender as trusted, helping to ensure that their email messages are delivered to your mailbox and are less likely to be treated as spam.
This guide explains how to whitelist an email address in DirectAdmin.
What Is Email Blacklisting?
A blacklist is a list of email addresses or domains that you do not want to receive email from.
When a blacklisted sender attempts to send email, the spam filtering system can identify the sender and treat the message as unwanted.
Common examples include:
- Spam senders
- Persistent marketing emails
- Phishing attempts
- Known malicious senders
Before You Start
Before creating a blacklist entry, make sure:
- You can log into DirectAdmin
- You know the email address or domain you want to block
- The sender is a spammer
If you have not logged in yet, please see:
- How to Log Into DirectAdmin
Common Reasons to Blacklist a Sender
You may wish to blacklist:
- Repeated spam senders
- Unwanted newsletters
- Suspicious email addresses
- Phishing emails
- Persistent marketing campaigns
to blacklist:
- A spammer whose emails are unwanted
- A person sending unwanted mails
How to Blacklist an Email Address
Step 1 — Log Into DirectAdmin
Open your browser and visit: https://cp.yourdomain.co.za (replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name)
Enter your hosting username and password.
Step 2 — Open Blacklisting Filter Settings
From the DirectAdmin dashboard:
Click: Extra Features
Then click: Configserver MSFE
Step 3 — Open the Blacklist Section
Click : Email Blacklist/Whitelist settings
Step 4 — Add the Email Address
Enter the sender's email address in the whitelist section.
Example: john@example.com
Step 5 — Save the Changes
Click: Change
The sender is now added to your blacklist.
Blacklisting an Entire Domain
You may also blacklist an entire domain.
Example: example.com or *@example.com
Note: One per line !!!
This will block email originating from that domain.
⚠️ Only blacklist entire domains if you dont trust the organisation sending the email.
Important Notes
Blacklisting Does Not Delete Existing Email
Blacklisting only affects future messages.
Existing email already delivered to your mailbox will remain unchanged.
Use Domain Blocking Carefully
Blocking an entire domain may prevent legitimate messages from reaching you.
For example: gmail.com
would block email from all Gmail users.
Review Blacklist Entries Periodically
Remove entries that are no longer required.
Troubleshooting
Still Receiving Email From the Sender
Check:
- email address entered correctly
- blacklist settings saved successfully
- sender is not using a different address
Messages Continue Appearing in Spam Folder
The blacklist may be marking messages as spam rather than completely blocking them, depending on your spam filter configuration.
Legitimate Email Being Blocked
Review your blacklist entries and remove any sender added by mistake.
Too Many Domains Blocked
Excessive blocking may result in missing important email.
Review your blacklist regularly.
Helpful Tips
Block Repeat Offenders
If the same sender repeatedly sends unwanted email, adding them to the blacklist can help reduce inbox clutter.
Combine With Spam Filtering
Blacklists work best when combined with:
- Spam filtering
- SPF
- DKIM
- good email security practices
Monitor Your Spam Folder
Occasionally review spam folders to ensure legitimate email is not being incorrectly filtered.
Security Tips
- Do not interact with suspicious emails
- Avoid clicking unknown links
- Keep mailbox passwords secure
- Block known spam senders
- Review blacklist entries regularly
