Are your emails to Microsoft domains (Hotmail, Outlook.com, Live.com, Office365) bouncing or landing in the spam folder? This is likely due to Microsoft's aggressive IP reputation filtering.
Important Disclaimer:
Microsoft manages their own blocklists independently. Tilaa Support cannot remove your IP from their list directly. You, as the IP operator, must submit the request following the steps below.
Microsoft manages their own blocklists independently. Tilaa Support cannot remove your IP from their list directly. You, as the IP operator, must submit the request following the steps below.
Step 1: Check your Technical Basics
Before contacting Microsoft, ensure your server is configured correctly. If these settings are missing, Microsoft will reject your unblock request immediately.
- Reverse DNS (PTR): Does your IP address point back to your hostname? (Configurable in the Tilaa dashboard).
- SPF Record: Is your server IP authorized to send mail for your domain?
- DKIM & DMARC: Are your emails cryptographically signed?
- Blacklists: Is your IP listed on public lists like Spamhaus? (Check via MXToolbox).
Step 2: Requesting a Delisting
If your configuration is correct but you are still blocked, follow this procedure:
- Go to the Microsoft Sender Support Request form.
- Fill in the required details:
- Issue Title: "IP blocked" or similar.
- Contact email: Your own email address.
- IP address(es): The Tilaa VPS IP that is blocked.
- Error messages: Paste the full bounce message you received (e.g., "550 5.7.1 Unfortunately, messages from [IP] weren't sent...").
- Submit the form.
Step 3: The Response Process
Microsoft's process is automated and typically follows these stages:
A. The Auto-Reply
Within minutes, you will receive an automated email confirming your ticket number.
B. The Status Update (12-24 hours)
You will receive an email stating one of two outcomes:
- "Conditionally Mitigated": Success! The block has been lifted. It may take 24 hours to fully propagate.
- "Not Qualified for Mitigation": Your request was denied. See Step 4.
Step 4: What if my request is denied?
If you receive the "Not Qualified" email, do not give up. This is often an automated rejection.
- Reply to that email directly. Do not create a new ticket.
- Politely ask for a manual review. State clearly:
- "This is a new server / new IP address."
- "We have implemented strict SPF/DKIM policies."
- "We are not sending spam."
- This reply usually escalates the ticket to a human technician, who often lifts the block within 24-48 hours.
Pro Tip: Join SNDS
For long-term monitoring, register your IPs with Microsoft SNDS (Smart Network Data Services). This free tool gives you insight into your IP's reputation and spam complaints directly from Microsoft.
For long-term monitoring, register your IPs with Microsoft SNDS (Smart Network Data Services). This free tool gives you insight into your IP's reputation and spam complaints directly from Microsoft.