Gmail destination-domain error

Fix Gmail 553 5.1.2 recipient domain not found

Gmail returns 553 5.1.2 when it cannot find the recipient domain. Check the characters after @ for spelling, spaces, or punctuation, then inspect that destination domain's registration and DNS.

Problem description

Gmail reports:

553 5.1.2 We weren't able to find the recipient domain.

Check the recipient destination domain

What MailFixIt can test: current public DNS, MX, and Null MX state for the destination domain entered. It cannot prove an individual mailbox exists or inspect private recipient routing.

Is this temporary or permanent?

The 553 result is permanent for the submitted address. Correct the address or wait for the domain owner to repair DNS before sending a new message.

Probable causes

A misspelled domain or trailing period, comma, or space.
The domain is unregistered, expired, or has broken delegation.
Authoritative DNS returns no usable domain data.
The address was copied from an outdated source.

How to resolve it

Extract only the domain after @.
Compare it with the recipient's official contact information.
Check registration, nameserver delegation, and current MX intent.
If you do not own it, send evidence to the recipient through another channel.
Send a new message only after correction.

Frequently asked questions

What does Gmail 553 5.1.2 mean?

Gmail could not find the recipient domain.

Which domain should I check?

Enter the domain after the at-sign in the rejected recipient address, not your sending domain.

Can the sender fix the recipient's DNS?

The sender can correct a typo; only the recipient domain owner or provider can repair its registration, delegation, or mail routing.

Related email diagnostics

Primary source: Gmail SMTP errors and codes.