DNS 3 NXDOMAIN vs 6 YXDOMAIN
Both DNS 3 (NXDOMAIN) and 6 (YXDOMAIN) belong to the DNS Response Codes (RCODEs) category. 3 indicates that non-Existent Domain. The queried domain name does not exist in the DNS namespace. Meanwhile, 6 means that name Exists when it should not. Used in dynamic updates to indicate a name that should not exist already has records.
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.
Description
Name Exists when it should not. Used in dynamic updates to indicate a name that should not exist already has records.
When You See It
A DNS UPDATE prerequisite check failed because the domain name already exists when the update expected it to be absent.
How to Fix
Review your dynamic update prerequisites. If you expect to create a new name, remove the existing records first or change the prerequisite to allow existing names.
Key Differences
DNS 3: Non-Existent Domain. The queried domain name does not exist in the DNS namespace.
DNS 6: Name Exists when it should not. Used in dynamic updates to indicate a name that should not exist already has records.
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.
You encounter 6 when a DNS UPDATE prerequisite check failed because the domain name already exists when the update expected it to be absent.
When to Use Which
For 3 (NXDOMAIN): Double-check the domain spelling. If you own the domain, verify your registrar settings and ensure the nameservers are correctly delegated. For 6 (YXDOMAIN): Review your dynamic update prerequisites. If you expect to create a new name, remove the existing records first or change the prerequisite to allow existing names.