DNS 2 SERVFAIL vs 3 NXDOMAIN
Both DNS 2 (SERVFAIL) and 3 (NXDOMAIN) belong to the DNS Response Codes (RCODEs) category. 2 indicates that server failure. The name server encountered an internal error while processing the query. Meanwhile, 3 means that non-Existent Domain. The queried domain name does not exist in the DNS namespace.
Description
Server failure. The name server encountered an internal error while processing the query.
When You See It
The recursive resolver could not get an authoritative answer — commonly caused by DNSSEC validation failures, unreachable upstream nameservers, or misconfigured zones.
How to Fix
Try a different resolver (e.g., 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1) to isolate the issue. If you control the zone, check DNSSEC signatures, SOA serial consistency, and nameserver reachability.
Description
Non-Existent Domain. The queried domain name does not exist in the DNS namespace.
When You See It
The domain has no DNS records at all — either it was never registered, has expired, or you have a typo in the hostname.
How to Fix
Double-check the domain spelling. If you own the domain, verify your registrar settings and ensure the nameservers are correctly delegated.
Key Differences
DNS 2: Server failure. The name server encountered an internal error while processing the query.
DNS 3: Non-Existent Domain. The queried domain name does not exist in the DNS namespace.
You encounter 2 when the recursive resolver could not get an authoritative answer — commonly caused by DNSSEC validation failures, unreachable upstream nameservers, or misconfigured zones.
You encounter 3 when the domain has no DNS records at all — either it was never registered, has expired, or you have a typo in the hostname.
When to Use Which
For 2 (SERVFAIL): Try a different resolver (e.g., 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1) to isolate the issue. If you control the zone, check DNSSEC signatures, SOA serial consistency, and nameserver reachability. For 3 (NXDOMAIN): Double-check the domain spelling. If you own the domain, verify your registrar settings and ensure the nameservers are correctly delegated.