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SMTP error code · Microsoft 365 / Outlook.com

550 5.7.511: access denied, banned sender

550 5.7.511 Permanent failure (5xx): the message bounced
By iBlockSpam Team Checked against sources 2 sources How we check our content
What it means

Your sending IP address is banned by Microsoft 365 and needs further investigation. Unlike other blocks, you can't use the self-service delist portal.

What the bounce says
550 5.7.511 Access denied, banned sender[xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx]. To request removal from this list, forward this message to delist@microsoft.com.

Start of the example NDR in Microsoft's delist portal article.

What 550 5.7.511 means

Microsoft's NDR reference describes 5.7.511 as "Access denied, banned sender": the IP you're trying to send from was banned. Its delist article explains the difference from the more common 5.7.606 to 5.7.649 blocks: in some cases Microsoft needs to investigate traffic from the IP further, so the self-service delist portal won't work.

To request removal, do what the NDR says: send a message to delist@microsoft.com and include the full NDR code and the IP address. Microsoft says it will contact you within 48 hours with next steps.

Use those 48 hours. A 5.7.511 usually follows serious abuse from the IP, such as a compromised server or account sending large amounts of spam. Have a clear answer about what happened and what you changed, because Microsoft can block the IP again if bad traffic continues.

Likely causes

  • Significant spam or malicious traffic from your IP address.
  • A compromised server, website or mailbox using your IP.
  • A shared IP abused by another sender.

How to fix it

If you sent the message

  1. Find and stop the abuse source before contacting Microsoft.
  2. Email delist@microsoft.com with the full NDR code and the IP address.
  3. Expect a reply within 48 hours, and be ready to explain what you fixed.

If you're the recipient or their admin

  1. Recipients can't lift this block; the sender has to work with Microsoft.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use sender.office.com for 5.7.511?

No. Microsoft says the delist portal doesn't work for 5.7.511. Forward the NDR to delist@microsoft.com with the full NDR code and IP address instead.

How long does Microsoft take to respond?

Microsoft says it will contact you within 48 hours with next steps.

Sources

  1. Remove yourself from the blocked senders list and address 5.7.511 Access denied errors (Microsoft Learn)
  2. Email nondelivery reports (NDRs) and SMTP errors in Exchange Online (Microsoft Learn)

Provider messages are quoted as the provider publishes them. Servers can change their wording, so the bounce you received may differ slightly.