5.4.4 Unable to route

The system could not work out where to send the message, usually because the recipient’s domain has no working mail setup.

5.4.4 Unable to route

Permanent: retrying will not help

The system could not work out where to send the message, usually because the recipient’s domain has no working mail setup.

Usual causes

The domain has no mail server (MX) records, or they point nowhere.
A typo in the domain.

What to do

Check the domain for typos.
If the domain is right, the owner needs to fix their DNS. Until they do, you cannot reach them.

Usually the fault of: recipient.

Common questions.

What does 5.4.4 mean?

The system could not work out where to send the message, usually because the recipient’s domain has no working mail setup.

Will retrying fix 5.4.4?

No. It is a permanent failure, so retrying the same message will not help, and repeated attempts can hurt your sending reputation. Fix the cause first.

How do I fix 5.4.4?

Check the domain for typos. If the domain is right, the owner needs to fix their DNS. Until they do, you cannot reach them.

Other codes: 5.1.1 · 5.1.2 · 5.1.3 · 5.1.6 · 5.2.1 · 5.2.2 · 5.2.3 · 5.3.4 · Decode a whole bounce message

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