If you’ve discovered that your website is blocked by your ISP, you’re not alone. Sometimes, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) mistakenly flag safe websites as malicious. When this happens, your site might become inaccessible to users on specific networks, which can damage your reputation and limit traffic. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to resolve this quickly.
How to know if your website is blocked by your ISP
To confirm if your website is blocked by your ISP or others, follow these steps:
1. Test access on different connections.
Try loading your website from:
- A mobile device on 4G/5G
- A separate internet connection with a different ISP
- A VPN or proxy service
If the site works on one connection but not another, it’s likely that a specific ISP is blocking it.
2. Check online threat databases.
Use tools like:
These will check if your site appears on any known malware or phishing blacklists.
3. Ask users for details.
If others are reporting issues, ask which ISP they’re using and what error message they receive. This can help confirm whether the block is specific to one provider.
What to do if your website is blocked by your ISP
Once you’ve confirmed that the issue is a false positive, follow these steps:
1. Clean and secure your website.
- Update all WordPress core files, themes, and plugins
- Remove any unused or outdated themes/plugins
- Scan your website using tools like Wordfence, Sucuri, or MalCare to ensure it’s malware-free
2. Contact the ISP that’s blocking your site.
Reach out to their support team with:
- A description of the issue
- Evidence that your website is clean (scan results, Safe Browsing reports)
- A request to review and remove the block if it’s a false positive
2. Review search engine reports.
If Google or Bing has flagged your website, log in to the following tools:
- Google Search Console – Fix any issues and request a review
- Bing Webmaster Tools – Do the same for Bing
4. Improve ongoing security.
- Install an SSL certificate (HTTPS)
- Enable regular automated security scans
- Stay up to date with plugin and theme security alerts
Keep users informed during the process
While resolving the block:
- Firstly, inform users that the issue is related to their ISP and suggest using a VPN or a different network as a temporary workaround.
- Then. publish a notice on your social platforms if needed
- Finally, record what happened, note who you contacted, and document how you resolved the issue.
Conclusion
Finding that your website is blocked by your ISP can be concerning, but it’s often reversible. With prompt action, clear communication, and a strong security strategy, you can regain access for your users and safeguard your online presence.
If you need assistance at any stage, Network Dynamics is here to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact our customer support team for expert guidance and hands-on support.
