What are the Rules for a Valid Hostname?


Hostnames have specific rules on what is or isn’t valid. A valid hostname only consists of letters, numbers, and the special character – (dash).

Here’s an example of a valid hostname: server-01.no-ip.com

General Hostname Guidelines

  • A valid hostname must be between 1 and 63 characters per label. A label are the sections between periods.
  • A full hostname cannot be more than 253 characters long.
  • Labels cannot begin or end with a dash.
  • You cannot have more than one dash per label.
  • No spaces can be included.

Valid No-IP Hostnames

What constitutes a valid hostname for No-IP is a little different.

  • They can contain the letters a-z, numbers 0-9, and the special character – (dash).
  • No-IP Free hostnames labels are limited to 19 characters.
  • Plus Managed DNS, Enhanced DNS, and Pro Dynamic DNS labels can be up to 49 characters in length.
  • Labels cannot begin or end with a dash.
  • You cannot have more than one dash within a label.
  • No spaces can be included.