IDN Decode
Decode Punycode domain names to readable Unicode format
I see a lot of strange domain names. Some of them start with xn--, and at first, they look like a typo or broken code. But they are not. They are just encoded. And this tool helps you fix that.
Welcome to the IDN Decode Tool – your one-click way to convert encoded domain names back into readable, normal-looking ones. It runs entirely in your browser, takes zero setup, and works every time.
What Is an IDN Decode Tool?
Let me explain this quickly. IDN stands for Internationalized Domain Name. These are domain names that use letters outside A to Z. For example: 例子.测试 or müller.de.
The internet, however, only likes ASCII. So these domains are converted to a format called Punycode, something like xn--fsqu00a.xn--0zwm56d.
That is where this tool comes in. It takes Punycode and turns it back into its original form. You paste, decode, and get the readable version instantly.
What Does This Tool Do?
This tool converts Punycode to Unicode. It helps you figure out what an encoded domain is actually saying. It is made for people who:
- Work with international domains
- Debug DNS settings
- Read analytics or server logs
- Handle domain migrations
- Just want to know what that weird domain means
The best part? It all happens in your browser. Your input stays private. It uses the official punycode.js library, which follows Unicode standards.
Why Does This Matter?
I have seen a lot of engineers ignore encoded domains until something breaks, SSL fails, DNS does not resolve, or a domain ends up pointing somewhere unexpected.
Here is where decoding helps:
- Before purchasing or configuring an IDN domain
- During certificate generation for international clients
- While checking for phishing domains that use deceptive characters
- When scraping Whois records or analyzing backlinks
This tool saves you from guessing. You get the clear domain instantly, so you can act on it confidently.
What to Expect When You Use It
It has two boxes:
Punycode Input: where you paste the encoded domain
Decoded Output: where the normal domain appears
There is a big “Decode IDN” button and a “Clear All” button. You click, you get results.
The layout is clean, modern, and mobile-friendly. You can run it in any browser, on any device.
Input and Output Examples
Let us look at a few actual inputs and outputs.
Example 1
Input: xn--tst-qla.com
Output: täst.com
Example 2
Input: xn--fsqu00a.xn--0zwm56d
Output: 例子.测试
Example 3
Input: xn--4pqp2c.ws
Output: 😀.ws
Example 4
Input: xn--d1acpjx3f.xn--p1ai
Output: президент.рф
How It Works Behind the Scenes
The tool uses punycode.js, a small but powerful JavaScript library. It is loaded from a public CDN and handles the entire decoding process client-side.
Here is the core of it:
punycode.toUnicode('xn--fsqu00a.xn--0zwm56d');
That returns:
例子.测试
You do not need to install anything. It just works. And because nothing gets sent to a server, it is private and secure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I have seen a few people stumble here, so let me list the most common issues:
- Pasting a full URL like https://xn--tst-qla.com/page. That will not work. You need to strip everything and just use the domain.
- Typing spaces before or after the domain. Clean the input first.
- Decoding an already readable domain. If it is not Punycode, the tool will show you the same thing back.
- Expecting emoji to become English words. You will get the actual emoji, nothing more.
Use Cases That Actually Matter
You might not think about IDNs every day, but when they show up, you will be glad this tool exists.
- You are working with SSL certs and see Punycode in the SAN field
- You find a weird domain in a traffic report and want to know what it really says
- You get a list of domains from a client in Punycode format
- You are checking DNS records for multiple regions
- You are building a tool that lists domains for global users
If you work in frontend, backend, SEO, marketing, or DevOps, this tool is worth bookmarking.
How to Use This Tool (Step-by-Step)
- Copy your encoded domain name from wherever you found it.
- Paste it into the Punycode Input box.
- Click the Decode IDN button.
- Copy the result from the Decoded Output.
- Use that decoded domain in your certificate request, analytics notes, or just to understand what it says.
- Click Clear All to reset and try another one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Punycode and why do domains use it?
Punycode is a way to represent non-English characters using only ASCII. This keeps international domain names compatible with DNS systems.
What does “xn--” mean in a domain name?
It is a prefix that tells browsers and tools the domain is encoded in Punycode.
Why do I see strange domains in analytics or SEO tools?
These are usually IDNs encoded as Punycode. Tools often show the encoded version by default.
How do I decode a Punycode domain to normal form?
Paste it into this tool and click the button. You will see the readable name immediately.
Will this tool work with Arabic, Chinese, or Cyrillic domains?
Yes. It supports all valid Unicode domain names.
Does this tool work offline?
Yes, if your browser has cached the library. Otherwise it loads from a public CDN.
Is the decoding process secure?
Yes. Nothing is sent to a server. All decoding happens in your browser.
Can I decode full URLs with this tool?
No. This tool is for domain names only. Remove paths, protocols, or ports.
Do I need to install or sign up to use this?
No. It is free, instant, and has no sign-in.
What if the domain is already readable?
The tool will show the same text back. It only changes encoded domains.
Why does the decoded result look strange?
It may be written in a different script or be an emoji. That is how it is supposed to look.
Can I use the decoded domain for DNS or SSL configuration?
No. You must use the encoded (Punycode) version in those cases.
Does this tool support subdomains?
Yes. It will decode each part correctly.
Can I use this in scripts or automated workflows?
Yes, if you use the punycode library directly. This tool is for manual use.
What happens if I paste something invalid?
The tool shows a clear error message so you know what went wrong.
Why should I care about decoding IDNs?
Because you will run into them. And knowing what they mean helps avoid mistakes.