DNS Records Lookup
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How to Perform DNS Lookup
Checking DNS records for any domain is simple:
- Enter Domain: Type the domain name (e.g., google.com, example.com) without http://
- Select Record Type: Choose specific record type or view all records at once.
- View Results: See IP addresses, mail servers, TXT values, and nameserver information.
- Troubleshoot: Use the information for domain configuration, email setup, or migration verification.
The tool displays A, AAAA, MX, TXT, CNAME, NS, and SOA records with detailed information.
Understanding DNS Record Types
DNS records are essential for domain functionality. Here's what each record type does:
A Record (Address): Maps domain to IPv4 address (e.g., 192.0.2.1). Most common record type for websites.
AAAA Record: Maps domain to IPv6 address (e.g., 2001:db8::1). Used for modern IPv6 networks.
MX Record (Mail Exchange): Directs email to mail servers. Includes priority values (lower = higher priority).
TXT Record (Text): Stores text information for domain verification (Google, Microsoft), SPF, DKIM, DMARC for email security.
CNAME Record (Canonical Name): Creates alias from one domain to another (e.g., www.example.com → example.com).
NS Record (Nameserver): Specifies authoritative nameservers for the domain.
SOA Record (Start of Authority): Contains administrative information about the zone (primary NS, admin email, serial number, refresh timers).
⚡ Quick DNS TTL Reference Guide
| TTL Value | Common Use Case | Propagation Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 seconds (5 min) | Critical changes (migrations) | Very fast | Emergency DNS changes |
| 600 seconds (10 min) | Load balancer adjustments | Fast | Active-active failover |
| 3600 seconds (1 hour) | Standard website DNS | Moderate | Most production sites |
| 86400 seconds (24 hours) | Stable infrastructure | Slow | Nameservers, mail servers |
| 604800 seconds (7 days) | Root/TLD nameservers | Very slow | Zone apex stability |
🚨 Common DNS Error Codes & Solutions
| Error Code | Meaning | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| NXDOMAIN | Non-Existent Domain | Domain not registered or typo | Verify domain spelling, check registration |
| SERVFAIL | Server Failure | Nameserver configuration issue | Check NS records, contact DNS host |
| REFUSED | Query Refused | Rate limiting or ACL block | Try again later, use different resolver |
| NOERROR + empty answer | No records found | Record type not configured | Add the missing record type |
| Timeout | No response | Nameserver unreachable | Check network, verify NS are online |
📧 Email Authentication DNS Records Guide
| Record Type | Purpose | Example Value | Prevents |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPF (TXT) | Authorized mail servers | v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all | Email spoofing |
| DKIM (TXT) | Cryptographic signature | v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=MIGfMA0G... | Email tampering |
| DMARC (TXT) | Policy for failures | v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:dmarc@example.com | Domain impersonation |
| MTA-STS | Encrypted email transport | v=STSv1; id=2024010101; | Man-in-middle attacks |
| TLS-RPT | TLS reporting | v=TLSRPTv1; rua=mailto:reports@example.com | Delivery issues reporting |
🌍 Popular DNS Providers Comparison
| Provider | Primary NS | Free Tier | Propagation Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare | ns1.cloudflare.com | Yes (unlimited) | Very fast (≈30 sec) | Speed & security |
| Google Cloud DNS | ns-cloud-a1.googledomains.com | No (pay per query) | Fast (≈60 sec) | Google infrastructure |
| Amazon Route 53 | ns-1.awsdns-1.com | No ($0.50/zone/month) | Fast (≈60 sec) | AWS integration |
| GoDaddy | ns1.domaincontrol.com | Yes (with domains) | Moderate (≈2-4 hours) | Domain registrants |
| Namecheap | dns1.registrar-servers.com | Yes (with domains) | Moderate (≈2-4 hours) | Budget domains |
DNS Propagation
When you change DNS records, changes take time to spread across the internet (propagation). Typical propagation times: 24-48 hours for full global propagation, though some changes appear within minutes. Use this tool to verify if your changes have propagated.
Common DNS Issues
Missing A Record: Domain won't resolve to website. Visitors see "server not found" error.
Incorrect MX Records: Email delivery fails or goes to wrong server.
Missing TXT Verification Records: Domain verification for Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or other services fails.
Expired SOA Serial: Slave nameservers may not update zone changes.
Propagation Delays: Recent changes not yet visible everywhere.
DNS Record Reference Table
| Record Type | Purpose | Example Value | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | IPv4 address | 192.0.2.1 | Website hosting |
| AAAA | IPv6 address | 2001:db8::1 | Modern IPv6 websites |
| MX | Mail server | 10 mail.example.com | Email delivery |
| TXT | Text information | v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com | Email authentication (SPF) |
| CNAME | Domain alias | example.com | www to non-www redirect |
| NS | Nameserver | ns1.example.com | DNS hosting |
| SOA | Zone authority | ns1.example.com admin.example.com 2024010101 7200... | DNS administration |
Common DNS Lookup Scenarios
Website Migration
Before migrating a website, check existing A/AAAA records. After migration, verify new IP addresses are resolving correctly. Use this tool to confirm DNS changes have propagated.
Email Configuration
When setting up email (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, custom mail server), verify MX records point to correct mail servers. Check TXT records for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC email authentication.
Domain Troubleshooting
If a website is inaccessible, check A/AAAA records. If email isn't working, check MX records. Use NS records to verify correct DNS hosting provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DNS?
DNS (Domain Name System) is like the phonebook of the internet. It translates human-readable domain names (like google.com) into IP addresses that computers use to connect to each other.
What is the difference between A and AAAA records?
A records map domains to IPv4 addresses (32-bit, e.g., 192.0.2.1). AAAA records map domains to IPv6 addresses (128-bit, e.g., 2001:db8::1). IPv6 is newer and provides vastly more addresses.
What are MX records used for?
MX (Mail Exchange) records tell email servers where to deliver email for your domain. They include priority values — lower numbers are tried first. Without correct MX records, email delivery fails.
What are common TXT records?
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) — lists authorized email servers. DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) — cryptographic email signature. DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication) — policy for handling failed authentication. Domain verification for Google, Microsoft, or other services.
What is DNS propagation?
DNS propagation is the time it takes for DNS record changes to update across all DNS servers worldwide. Changes typically take 24-48 hours for full propagation, though many update within minutes.
What is a CNAME record?
A CNAME (Canonical Name) record creates an alias from one domain to another. Common use: www.example.com → example.com, or blog.example.com → example.com/blog.
What is a SOA record?
The SOA (Start of Authority) record contains administrative information about the DNS zone: primary nameserver, responsible email, serial number, refresh timers, and TTL values.
What is TTL and why does it matter?
TTL (Time to Live) tells DNS resolvers how long to cache a record before checking for updates. Lower TTL (300s) means faster propagation but more queries. Higher TTL (86400s) improves performance but slows updates.
Is this tool free to use?
Yes, completely free with no usage limits. Perform DNS lookups for any domain as many times as needed.
