If your email, publishing or website suddenly can't connect from one place, but works from another (such as your phone on cellular), your IP address has probably been blocked (some people say banned). It is a security measure, not a penalty, and is easy to clear.
Why it happens
The server blocks an address after too many failed logins. The usual cause is an old password saved on a phone, tablet, or computer on your network, which keeps trying in the background.
Clear the block
- On the device that can't connect, on the same network, turn off any VPN and iCloud Private Relay. These hide your real address.
- Sign in to your client area. That's all. Signing in removes the block automatically.
- Try your email or publishing again.
Need to unblock a different network?
Find that network's IP address by searching "what is my IP" from a device on it, then:
- In your client area, go to Services > My Services and open your hosting plan.
- Press Unban IP Address and enter the address.
Or send the IP address to support.
Stop it coming back
Find the device with the old password.
- Check every phone, tablet and computer that gets this email, including those of others on your network.
- On a Mac, in Mail, choose Window > Connection Doctor to see which account fails.
- Enter the correct password, or change it and update all devices.
- Repeated failed FTP logins can also trigger it.
Blocked again soon after? Contact us, and include your IP address.
Will my visitors be blocked?
No. Only people making failed logins (email, FTP and similar) get blocked. Visitors just browsing your website aren't affected.
Getting another error?
"Authentication failed" or "Login incorrect" means the username or password is wrong, not that you are blocked. Check your email settings.