# The global blocklist and unsubscribes

> How the workspace blocklist keeps addresses and whole domains out of every campaign, how to add automatic block rules, and what happens when someone unsubscribes.

Source: https://emailpal.io/help/blocklist-and-unsubscribes

## The global blocklist

Addresses and whole domains on the blocklist are never emailed by any campaign, and they are skipped when you add leads. Find it in the Engage workspace settings under **Global blocklist**.

To add entries, paste them into **Add emails or domains** and choose **Add to blocklist**. Put one entry on each line, or separate them with commas.

- `jane@example.com` blocks one address.
- `competitor.com` blocks a whole domain.
- `@bigclient.com` blocks a whole domain too.

A bare domain blocks everyone at it. Each entry shows as **Email** or **Domain**, along with who added it, **Added by you** or the automatic source, and when. Use the bin next to an entry to unblock it.

## Block automatically

Under **Block automatically**, simple rules add to the blocklist for you. They never change leads you already have. Each rule has a trigger and a scope.

| Trigger | Notes |
| --- | --- |
| **When someone unsubscribes** | Blocks them as soon as they unsubscribe. |
| **When a lead's status becomes…** | Pick any status. For example, block everyone who is marked Not interested. [Lead statuses](/help/lead-statuses) |
| **When a reply contains…** | Type a phrase of at least 3 characters, such as "remove me". |

| Scope | Effect |
| --- | --- |
| **Block their address** | Only that email address. |
| **Block their domain** | Everyone at that domain. |

Each rule has a switch, so you can turn one off without deleting it.

## What happens when someone unsubscribes

- **The link.** Every email carries an unsubscribe link, either the one you placed with `{{unsubscribeLink}}` or one added in the footer. [Steps, waits and A/B variants](/help/campaign-steps-and-variants)
- **The one-click header.** With **One-click unsubscribe header** on (the default), Gmail and Outlook show their own Unsubscribe button. It does the same as the link.
- **Spam complaints.** A complaint reported by the mailbox provider is treated as an unsubscribe.

Any of these ends every sequence for that address, and later imports skip it. [Lead states and stop rules](/help/campaign-lead-states-and-stop-rules)

Keep unsubscribes easy. A spam complaint is a much stronger signal to mailbox providers than an unsubscribe, and a person who cannot find the link is more likely to complain. For campaign pauses, see [Auto-pause on bounces](/help/campaign-auto-pause-and-circuit-breakers).

## When you add leads

The import skips addresses and domains on your blocklist, and anyone who has unsubscribed, bounced or complained before. The skipped report lists each one with the reason. [Importing leads and verification](/help/importing-leads-and-verification)

## FAQs

### Do I need to add unsubscribed people to the blocklist myself?

No. An unsubscribe already ends their sequences and later imports skip them. The **When someone unsubscribes** rule is for blocking their address or their whole domain as well.

### Can I block a competitor's whole domain?

Yes. Add the bare domain, such as `competitor.com`.

### Can I take someone off the blocklist?

Yes. Use the bin next to their entry. Anyone who unsubscribed, bounced or complained is still skipped by imports, because that is recorded separately from the blocklist.

## Need More Help?

[Google and Yahoo sender requirements](/help/google-yahoo-sender-requirements), [Create a campaign](/help/create-a-campaign).