Overview
The status NXDOMAIN indicates that a domain name could not be resolved to an IP address, meaning the domain does not exist or was not found in the DNS records. This error can occur when using DNS lookup tools such as the dig command.
Pre-requirements
- Basic understanding of DNS and domain resolution processes
- Access to a terminal (Linux or macOS) or Command Prompt (Windows)
- Ensure that the domain name you are testing is properly registered
- Access to DNS Zone management tools (e.g., at your registrar or hosting provider)
Steps to Diagnose NXDOMAIN with the DIG Command
Step 1: Open your terminal or command prompt
On Linux or macOS, open a terminal. On Windows, use the Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Step 2: Run the DIG command
Use the following syntax to perform a DNS query:
dig example.comReplace example.com with the domain name you wish to query.
Step 3: Analyze the response
If the domain does not exist, you'll see a response like this:
;; ->>HEADER<<- opcode: QUERY, status: NXDOMAIN, id: #####
The key part here is the status NXDOMAIN, which means that no DNS records were found for the requested domain.
Common Causes of NXDOMAIN
- Domain not registered or expired
- DNS misconfiguration at the registrar or hosting provider
- Propagation delay after recent DNS changes
How to Fix NXDOMAIN Errors
- Verify that the domain name is correctly registered and has not expired.
- Check the DNS Zone for your domain. Ensure that proper A, CNAME, or other necessary records exist at your hosting provider or DNS manager (e.g., WHM).
- Allow time for DNS propagation if recent changes were made. It may take up to 48 hours for changes to fully propagate.
Gotchas to Avoid
- Don't forget to verify your DNS records after making changes, using tools like
digor online DNS checkers. - Ensure that there is no typo in the domain name you're querying.
- DNS propagation delays can lead to temporary NXDOMAIN errors. Be patient when troubleshooting recent DNS changes.
