Punycode to Unicode Converter Online - Decode IDN (xn-- Domain Names)
Instantly decode Punycode strings (e.g., xn--...) back to their original human-readable Unicode characters, including foreign scripts, accents, and symbols.
Punycode to Unicode Converter Online - Decode IDN (xn-- Domain Names)
Decode Internationalized Domains and Check for Phishing Attacks
The Punycode to Unicode Converter is a vital tool for security verification and for restoring Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) from their ASCII-compatible format back to their original language characters.
What is Punycode (ACE String)?
Punycode is the ASCII Compatible Encoding (ACE) used by the Domain Name System (DNS) to register and resolve IDNs. It is identified by the required prefix `xn--` followed by the encoded ASCII string (e.g., `xn--mnchen-3ya.de`). While essential for global compatibility, the cryptic Punycode format can be misused in a security threat known as a Homograph Attack.
How the Decoding Works:
- Input: You enter a Punycode string or IDN (e.g., `xn--bcher-kva.com`).
- Decoding: The tool uses the Punycode algorithm (defined in RFC 3492) to reverse the encoding process.
- Output: The result is the original, human-readable domain name with its native Unicode characters (e.g., `bücher.com`).
Example Conversion:
| Punycode (ACE String) | `xn--mnchen-3ya.de` |
| :--- | :--- |
| Unicode Domain | `münchen.de` |
Key Uses for the Punycode to Unicode Converter:
Cybersecurity/Homograph Attack Detection: This is the most crucial use. Punycode allows attackers to register look-alike domains (e.g., using Cyrillic 'а' instead of Latin 'a') that resolve to different, malicious sites. Decoding the URL instantly reveals the true, misleading characters.
Verification: Verify that a Punycode domain you registered correctly translates back to your intended brand name or characters.
Troubleshooting: Check domains used in DNS records, hosting configurations, or SSL certificates where only the Punycode version is displayed.
Localization Testing: Developers and marketers can confirm how international URLs will appear to users in supporting web browsers.
Related Tools
Contact
Missing something?
Feel free to request missing tools or give some feedback using our contact form.
Contact Us