550 5.1.2 Error: Bad destination domain — host not found — Causes & Fix | InboxVerify
SMTP error code

550 5.1.2 — Bad destination domain — host not found

Updated October 12, 2026 · By the InboxVerify team

The domain after the @ does not exist or has no mail server, so the message cannot be routed.

Hard bounce · permanent

Common causes

  • Typo in the domain (yahooo.com, gmail.co)
  • The domain expired or was never registered
  • The domain has no MX record and no A record

How to fix it

  1. Correct the domain spelling
  2. Run an MX lookup on the domain to see whether it accepts email
  3. Remove addresses at dead domains from your lists
MX CheckerRun the right check for your domain or paste the full bounce message for a precise explanation.
Open MX Checker →

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if a domain can receive email?

It needs MX records pointing to reachable mail servers. Use the MX Lookup tool to check.