HostKarma (JunkEmailFilter) is a IP blocklist published at hostkarma.junkemailfilter.com. When you're listed, mail servers that consult HostKarma (JunkEmailFilter)will block, defer, or spam-folder your messages — so fixing it matters for deliverability. Here's why it happened and exactly how to get off.
Why you got listed
HostKarma (JunkEmailFilter) listings almost always trace back to one of these:
Spam complaints originating from your sending IP
Most commonSpam complaints originating from your sending IP. This is the most common trigger for a HostKarma (JunkEmailFilter) listing — address it first.
A spam trap hit from your mailing list
CommonA spam trap hit from your mailing list.
Compromised account or script sending through your server
Less commonCompromised account or script sending through your server.
How to get delisted
Delisting that lasts has two parts: fix the root cause, then request removal. Skip the first part and you'll be re-listed almost immediately.
- 1
Find and stop the source
Identify what triggered the listing — a compromised mailbox, a script or web form being abused, a poor-quality list, or a misconfigured mail server. Check your outbound logs for unusual volume and secure any account that looks compromised (rotate passwords, enable MFA, revoke stale API keys).
- 2
Fix the underlying issue
HostKarma listings are reputation-based and decay over time once the spam stops. The site provides a lookup; if you have fixed the cause, you can request a manual review for faster removal.
- 3
Confirm your authentication is solid
Make sure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are all passing before you ask for removal — a clean authentication setup is part of demonstrating you're a legitimate sender. Run a free EmailHealth check to confirm.
- 4
Submit a removal request at hostkarma.junkemailfilter.com
Go to
hostkarma.junkemailfilter.com, look up your IP to confirm the listing and its stated reason, and use their removal/delisting form. Many listings here also expire on their own once the cause stops.
Stay off it for good
- Keep your list clean — remove hard bounces and never mail purchased or scraped addresses
- Authenticate every sending source with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC
- Monitor your domain so you catch a new listing within a day, not after customers complain
EmailHealth can monitor your domain daily and alert you the moment a blacklist listing (or any other deliverability change) appears.