> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.stopbot.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/settings-guides/blacklist.md).

# Blacklist

Blacklist rules are useful when you already know a specific IP address, hostname, or user agent pattern is unwanted. Keep rules as specific as possible to avoid blocking legitimate visitors.

### Blacklist Menu

| Page                                                                                 | Use It For                                                                      |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [IP Address](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/settings/blacklist/ip-address) | Block a single IP address, wildcard IP pattern, IP range, or CIDR-style network |
| [Hostname](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/settings/blacklist/hostname)     | Block a specific hostname or wildcard hostname pattern                          |
| [Useragent](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/settings/blacklist/useragent)   | Block an exact user agent string or a user agent keyword                        |

### When To Use Each Rule

| Situation                                          | Recommended Rule                   |
| -------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| One visitor IP repeatedly sends unwanted traffic   | IP Address, SINGLE IP              |
| A known network repeatedly sends unwanted traffic  | IP Address, IP RANGES or LENGTH IP |
| Traffic comes from a repeated reverse DNS hostname | Hostname, SINGLE or WILDCARD       |
| A tool or script uses the same user agent string   | Useragent, SINGLE                  |
| A bot family has a clear user agent keyword        | Useragent, KEYWORD                 |

### Add A Blacklist Rule

1. Open Settings > Blacklist.
2. Choose IP Address, Hostname, or Useragent.
3. Select the rule type.
4. Enter the value.
5. Click Add.
6. Confirm the new entry appears in the list.
7. Test the protected service and review logs.

### Best Practices

* Use blacklist rules for confirmed unwanted traffic.
* Prefer exact matches before wildcard or range rules.
* Avoid broad user agent keywords that may match normal browsers.
* Review blacklist entries regularly.
* Remove rules that are no longer needed.

### Related Pages

| Page                                                                       | Purpose                                     |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| [Settings Guide](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/settings)        | Return to the Settings overview             |
| [Whitelist](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/settings/whitelist)   | Manage trusted allow rules                  |
| [Blocker](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/services/blocker)       | Review how standard Blocker handles traffic |
| [Blocker V2](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/services/blocker-v2) | Review advanced protection behavior         |