Skip to content

What is IP Blocking?

IP blocking occurs when a website, server, or network refuses to accept traffic from a specific IP address or, in some cases, a range of addresses. It’s a very straightforward tool that administrators can use to control who can access a specific online resource. 

When an IP is blocked, any requests from that address simply don’t go through. A user might see an error message, a blank page, or a notice that access has been restricted.

There is a wide range of reasons why someone might want to utilize IP blocking. For example, a website might block an IP that has been previously flagged for suspicious activity, spam, or repeated failed attempts to log in. Similarly, they might need to prevent the site from being overwhelmed by bot traffic. IP blocking can also be used to enforce geographic restrictions through geo-blocking.

IP blocking isn’t foolproof. A blocked user can often get around it by switching to a different IP address through a VPN or proxy server. Addresses can also be blocked by mistake, catching legitimate users in a filter meant for bad actors. And because many users can share an IP through carrier-grade NAT or shared IPs, blocking one address can sometimes affect multiple people.