550 5.1.2: The domain does not exist or cannot receive email
Something is wrong with the part after the @. The domain doesn't exist, has expired, or has no mail server set up.
Hard bounce The address is bad. Don't keep sending to it.
What the bounce message looks like
The wording changes from one provider to another. These are typical examples:
550 5.1.2 Host unknown (Name server: example.con: host not found)550 5.1.2 We weren't able to find the recipient domain. (Gmail)Common causes
- A domain typo, such as gmial.com or yahoo.con
- The company's domain expired or changed
- The domain exists but has no MX records
How to fix it if you sent the email
- Look closely at the domain for a typo. The email checker spots common ones.
- If the company changed its name or domain, ask for the new address.
If you manage the receiving or sending mail system
- Check that the domain is registered and not expired.
- Check its MX records with the DNS checker.
Free tool: paste the full bounce into the bounce message decoder to get a plain-English reading of every code in it.
Questions people ask
- What does 550 5.1.2 mean?
- Something is wrong with the part after the @. The domain doesn't exist, has expired, or has no mail server set up.
- Is 550 5.1.2 a hard or soft bounce?
- Hard bounce. The address is bad. Don't keep sending to it.
- Should I remove the address after a 5.1.2 bounce?
- Yes. Remove it from your list, or confirm a new address with the person first.