What is the DNS Lookup Tool?

Every domain name on the internet — like example.com — is backed by a set of DNS records that control where it points, where its email goes, how it's verified, and more. The DNS Lookup Tool lets you query these records directly, returning the current live data from the DNS system for any domain you enter.

It's the fastest way to check whether DNS changes have propagated, verify that a domain is configured correctly, or diagnose why email, a website, or a service isn't working as expected.

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How to Use the DNS Lookup Tool

1. Enter a domain name — type or paste the domain you want to investigate (e.g. example.com or mail.example.com). Do not include https:// or paths.
2. Select the record type — choose which type of DNS record you want to retrieve. The tool queries that specific record type and returns the current results.
3. Read the results — the tool displays the records returned, including all values, TTL (time to live), and priority where applicable.

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DNS Record Types Explained

A record — maps a domain to an IPv4 address. This is the most fundamental record; it's what tells browsers where to find your website's server.

AAAA record — maps a domain to an IPv6 address. Functionally the same as an A record but for the newer address format.

MX record — Mail Exchange records specify which servers handle email for the domain. Priority values determine the order servers are tried — lower numbers are tried first.

TXT record — stores arbitrary text. Commonly used for domain ownership verification (Google Search Console, domain registrars), SPF (email sender policy), DKIM (email signing), and DMARC (email authentication policy).

NS record — Name Server records identify which DNS servers are authoritative for the domain. If you've recently moved a domain to a new registrar or DNS provider, NS records show whether the change has taken effect.

CNAME record — Canonical Name records alias one domain to another. Used for subdomains (e.g. pointing www.example.com to example.com) and CDN configurations.

SOA record — Start of Authority contains administrative information about the zone: the primary nameserver, the administrator's email, and timing values that control how other DNS servers cache and refresh records.

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Common Use Cases

Verifying DNS propagation — after updating a DNS record, propagation across the global DNS network can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours. Query the tool periodically to confirm when the new value is live.

Debugging email delivery — check MX records to confirm they point to the right mail servers. Query TXT records to verify SPF and DKIM are correctly configured, which affects email deliverability and spam classification.

Domain migration — when moving a site to a new server or CDN, verify that A or CNAME records now resolve to the new destination before cutting over traffic.

Nameserver verification — after transferring a domain to a new registrar, confirm that NS records reflect the new nameservers.

Security auditing — TXT records reveal what services are authorized to send email on behalf of the domain (SPF) and how to handle unauthenticated mail (DMARC) — useful for reviewing a domain's email security posture.

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Privacy

DNS queries are made in real time to retrieve the requested records. No domain names or query results are stored or logged.