DNS Record Checker
Welcome to our DNS Record Checker. Retrieve and verify DNS records for any domain effortlessly. This powerful tool fetches various DNS records, including A, AAAA, MX, CNAME, TXT, and more, perfect for network administrators, web developers, and anyone needing detailed DNS information.
What the DNS Record Checker looks up
The DNS Record Checker queries the A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, NS and TXT records of the exact name you enter and lists every type that returned an answer. A type without records is left out of the result.
Enter a host name such as example.com or www.example.com. A leading http:// or https:// is removed, but a path or a port is rejected, and so are names with underscores, such as _dmarc.example.com, and names in non-Latin script, which need their xn-- form. Answers come from the server's DNS resolver, so a changed record can take until the old record's TTL runs out to appear.
Worked examples
A domain with web, mail and SPF records
Addresses from the documentation ranges 192.0.2.0/24 (RFC 5737) and 2001:db8::/32 (RFC 3849) stand in for real ones. MX answers show the preference number first.
- Domain
example.com
- Records published for the example
example.com. A 192.0.2.10 example.com. AAAA 2001:db8::10 example.com. MX 10 mail.example.com. example.com. NS ns1.example.com. example.com. NS ns2.example.com. example.com. TXT "v=spf1 mx -all"- Result
A
- 192.0.2.10
AAAA
- 2001:db8::10
MX
- 10 mail.example.com
NS
- ns1.example.com
- ns2.example.com
TXT
- v=spf1 mx -all
A www name that is an alias
The scheme is removed before the lookup. The A query follows the CNAME, so the address of example.com is listed under A.
- Domain
https://www.example.com
- Records published for the example
www.example.com. CNAME example.com. example.com. A 192.0.2.10- Result
A
- 192.0.2.10
CNAME
- example.com
A URL with a path
Only the host name can be looked up.
- Domain
example.com/contact
- Result
Enter a valid domain name without a path or port.
DNS record types the checker queries
Each row is one query the tool sends for the name you enter.
| Type | What it holds | Example value | Defined in |
|---|---|---|---|
A | An IPv4 address of the name. | 192.0.2.10 | RFC 1035 |
AAAA | An IPv6 address of the name. | 2001:db8::10 | RFC 3596 |
CNAME | The name this name is an alias for. A name with a CNAME has no other records of its own. | example.com | RFC 1035 |
MX | A mail server for the domain with a preference number. Senders try the lowest number first. | 10 mail.example.com | RFC 1035, RFC 5321 |
NS | An authoritative name server for the zone. | ns1.example.com | RFC 1035 |
TXT | Free-form text, used for SPF policies (v=spf1) and domain verification tokens. | v=spf1 mx -all | RFC 1035, RFC 7208 |
DMARC policies live at _dmarc.<domain> (RFC 7489) and DKIM keys at <selector>._domainkey.<domain> (RFC 6376). The checker cannot look them up because it accepts host names only.
How to Use the DNS Record Checker
- Enter the domain name into the input field.
- Click the 'Check DNS Records' button.
- Review the retrieved DNS records for the specified domain.
Benefits of Using Our DNS Record Checker
- Comprehensive Retrieval: Fetch various DNS records such as A, AAAA, MX, CNAME, TXT, and more.
- Efficient Troubleshooting: Helps in identifying and resolving domain configuration issues.
- User-Friendly: Simple interface for quick and easy DNS record checks.
Frequently asked questions
How can I retrieve DNS records for a domain?
To retrieve DNS records, enter the domain name in the input field and click 'Check DNS Records'. The tool will fetch and display the DNS records for the domain.
What information can I get from DNS records?
DNS records provide information about the domain's configuration, including IP addresses (A records), mail servers (MX records), aliases (CNAME records), and more.
Why should I verify DNS records?
Verifying DNS records ensures that a domain is correctly configured, which helps in troubleshooting connectivity issues, verifying email setup, and ensuring proper website functionality.
What is a TXT record in DNS?
A TXT record in DNS is used to associate text information with a domain. It is often used for verification purposes, such as SPF records for email authentication.
How frequently should DNS records be checked?
It is a good practice to check DNS records periodically or whenever there are changes to the domain's configuration to ensure everything is set up correctly.
Is it possible to retrieve DNS records for subdomains?
Yes, the DNS Record Checker can retrieve DNS records for both main domains and subdomains. Simply enter the full subdomain name in the input field.
What defines an A record?
An A record (Address record) maps a domain name to an IPv4 address. It's the most common DNS record type used to direct a domain to a web server. For example, it tells browsers which server to contact when visiting your website.
What defines an MX record?
An MX record (Mail Exchange record) specifies the mail servers responsible for receiving emails for a domain and their priority order. It's essential for proper email delivery. Multiple MX records can be configured for redundancy, with lower priority numbers being preferred.
What distinguishes A from AAAA records?
A records point domains to IPv4 addresses (like 192.0.2.1), while AAAA records point to IPv6 addresses (like 2001:0db8::1). IPv6 is the newer protocol designed to replace IPv4 due to address exhaustion. Modern websites often have both record types for compatibility.
How do CNAME records function?
CNAME records (Canonical Name) create aliases that point one domain name to another. For example, www.example.com might CNAME to example.com. They're useful for managing multiple subdomains, CDN configurations, and simplifying DNS management by consolidating IP address changes.
What information do TXT records contain?
TXT records store text information for various purposes including SPF (email authentication), DKIM (email signing), DMARC (email policy), domain verification for services like Google Workspace, and other metadata. They're crucial for email security and domain ownership verification.
How long does DNS propagation take?
DNS propagation typically takes 24-48 hours globally, though changes often appear faster (minutes to hours). The time depends on TTL (Time To Live) values set in DNS records. Lower TTL values allow faster updates but increase query load on DNS servers.
Can DNS records affect website performance?
Yes, DNS records significantly impact website performance. Slow DNS resolution adds latency to page loads, while properly configured records with CDNs, load balancing, and optimized TTL values can improve speed. DNS-based geographic routing also enhances performance for global audiences.
What are NS records and their importance?
NS (Name Server) records specify which DNS servers are authoritative for a domain. They're critical because they tell the internet which servers to query for all other DNS information about your domain. Incorrect NS records make your entire domain inaccessible.
How can I verify my email configuration is correct?
Check MX records to ensure they point to your email provider's servers, verify SPF records in TXT records list authorized sending servers, confirm DKIM records for email signing, and check DMARC records for email policy enforcement. Proper configuration prevents email delivery issues and spam classification.