What is Punycode?
The DNS system was built for the letters a–z, digits and hyphens. To allow domain names in any language — internationalised domain names (IDNs) — each part that contains other characters is converted to an ASCII code that starts with xn--. Bangladesh’s own Bangla top-level domain, .বাংলা, is stored as xn--54b7fta0cc. Browsers show the readable form to visitors; servers, DNS panels and SSL certificates often need the xn-- form.
When you need it
- Setting up DNS for an international domain in a panel that only accepts ASCII.
- Ordering an SSL certificate or configuring a web server, which use the xn-- form.
- Reading an xn-- address in a log file or email header.
- Spotting look-alike domains: some phishing sites use Cyrillic or Greek letters that look Latin; decoding them reveals the real characters.
How to use the converter
- Type or paste a domain, web address or email address.
- Copy the result. Each part of the name is converted separately and shown in the table.
Frequently asked questions
What is xn--54b7fta0cc?
It is the Punycode form of .বাংলা, the Bangla-script top-level domain for Bangladesh.
Why does my browser show xn-- instead of the real name?
Browsers show the xn-- form when a name mixes scripts in ways that could be used to imitate another domain, to protect you from look-alike sites.
Can email addresses use Bangla or other scripts?
The domain part can be converted with Punycode. Non-ASCII text before the @ needs mail servers that support internationalised email (SMTPUTF8), which not all do.