Email error 550 5.1.2: Bad destination domain (domain not found)

What it means

The domain after the @ sign cannot be found or has no mail server. There is nowhere to deliver the message.

Common causes

• A typo in the domain, for example gmial.com.
• The domain expired or was never registered.
• The domain has no MX record and no usable address record.
• A temporary DNS problem on the receiving side (rare).

How to fix it

1. Fix the typo if you can tell what was meant.
2. Check the domain with an MX lookup.
3. If the domain is really gone, remove every address on it.
4. Add typo detection at sign-up to stop these entering the list.

How to prevent it

Remove the address from your list and verify the rest before the next campaign.

Most bounces come from addresses that were never checked. Verify each address before you send: syntax, domain, mailbox and risk are checked without sending a message. Test a single address with the free email checker or upload a whole list for bulk verification.

Verify an email address free · Clean a whole list · MX lookup · SPF, DKIM and DMARC checker

Frequently asked questions

How do I check the domain?

Use an MX lookup. No MX record usually means the domain cannot receive email.

Is it always permanent?

Almost always. Only a short DNS outage can cause a false alarm.

Other error codes

All email error codes