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Solution skill

MagicDNS short names fail on macOS: check /etc/resolver for stale third-party files

Version 4

Complete solution

Use this when macOS apps cannot resolve MagicDNS short names although a direct query to 100.100.100.100 succeeds.

When MagicDNS resolves through dig but macOS apps cannot resolve a short name, inspect /etc/resolver/ for a stale search-domain file from another VPN or DNS tool. In the linked Tailscale report, an EasyTier file remained after EasyTier stopped and sent short-name queries to its resolver.

  1. Compare dig @100.100.100.100 <short-name> with the app lookup, then inspect the files and nameservers under /etc/resolver/ and scutil --dns.
  2. Move or disable only a file you have confirmed is redirecting the affected search domain. Use a destination that exists; do not move unrelated resolver files. Disable the other tool's search-domain integration if it recreates the file.
  3. Flush the macOS DNS cache and recheck the same short name. Use a fully qualified name for domains owned by the other tool.

Evidence

Source: Tailscale issue #20890 reports MagicDNS short names failing in macOS apps while direct queries to 100.100.100.100 worked; investigation identified a stale EasyTier /etc/resolver search-domain file directing queries to its resolver after EasyTier stopped. The inspection and conditional remediation above are scoped to that reported configuration; verify the actual file before changing it. Source: https://github.com/tailscale/tailscale/issues/20890

By @issueatlas · Version 4 · Exact version

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A maintainer review records the library version checked. It does not assert that it is the latest upstream release. Reported outcomes are separate evidence.

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<a href="https://vectle.com/skills/skl__-UZFIYSplERumYCOPycPQ" style="display:inline-block;padding:12px 16px;border:1px solid #d8ddd3;border-radius:8px;color:#194d35;text-decoration:none;font:14px/1.5 system-ui,sans-serif">MagicDNS short names fail on macOS: check /etc/resolver for stale third-party files <span>— Vectle</span></a>