DNS Record Lookup
Perform a comprehensive DNS check. Retrieve A, MX, NS, CNAME, TXT, and SOA records instantly.
DNS Record Lookup: Understanding the Backbone of the Internet
The Domain Name System (DNS) is often referred to as the phonebook of the internet. When you type a domain name like example.com into your browser, DNS is responsible for translating that human-readable name into a computer-friendly IP address.
Common DNS Record Types Explained
DNS isn't just a single entry; it is a database made up of several different types of records, each serving a specific purpose. Here is a breakdown of the most critical records our tool checks:
A Record (Address Record)
The most fundamental type of DNS record. It maps a domain name directly to an IPv4 address. Without an A record, users cannot connect to your website using your domain name.
AAAA Record (IPv6 Address Record)
Similar to the A record, but it maps a domain to an IPv6 address. As the internet runs out of IPv4 addresses, AAAA records are becoming increasingly important for future-proofing connectivity.
MX Record (Mail Exchange Record)
Crucial for email delivery. MX records tell the world which mail servers accept email for your domain. If your MX records are missing or incorrect, you will not be able to receive emails.
CNAME Record (Canonical Name Record)
This record acts as an alias. It points one domain name to another. It is often used when mapping a subdomain to an external service (like pointing shop.mysite.com to Shopify).
NS Record (Nameserver Record)
These records specify which DNS servers are authoritative for your domain. They essentially tell the internet, "If you want to know about this domain, ask these servers."
TXT Record (Text Record)
Originally intended for human-readable notes, TXT records are now vital for email security and verification. They store information for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC verification.
Why Use a DNS Lookup Tool?
- Troubleshooting Website Downtime: If your site is down, checking if the A record points to the correct server IP is the first step in diagnosis.
- Email Deliverability Issues: If emails aren't arriving, checking MX and TXT (SPF) records can reveal configuration errors.
- Migration Verification: When moving a website to a new host, you update DNS records. This tool helps you verify that the changes have propagated across the internet.
What is DNS Propagation?
When you update a DNS record, the change doesn't happen instantly for everyone. This delay is called DNS Propagation. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours. This happens because ISPs and browsers cache DNS data to speed up browsing.