How DNS Lookup Tool Works

When you enter a domain and choose a record type, the tool asks your server’s resolver for the current DNS answers and formats them into a readable report. DNS is cached across many layers, so results are returned quickly while still reflecting the records your domain is serving at the moment of the query.

Step-by-step

• 1) Enter a domain: Type a hostname such as example.com or a subdomain like api.example.com.
• 2) Pick a record type: Choose A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, NS, SOA, SRV, CAA, PTR, or “Any common records”.
• 3) Run the lookup: Click Generate to fetch records and render them in a clean, copy-ready output.
• 4) Review key fields: Inspect name, TTL, record type, and data (IP, target host, priority, text value, etc.).
• 5) Export if needed: Copy results to your clipboard or download a text file for tickets, audits, or documentation.

Key Features

Multi-record support

Query the DNS records you use most often: A/AAAA for addressing, CNAME for aliasing, MX for mail delivery, TXT for verification and SPF/DKIM/DMARC, NS/SOA for zone authority, SRV for service discovery, and CAA for certificate issuance control.

Readable output format

Results are normalized into consistent lines so you can scan quickly, paste into a support ticket, or share with teammates. Records with special fields (like MX priority or SRV port/weight) are presented in a sensible, human-friendly way.

Raw JSON view

Enable the optional raw output to see the underlying record structure returned by the resolver. This helps when you need every attribute (for example, SOA timing values or lesser-used fields on SRV/CAA records) for debugging.

Copy and download actions

One click copies the formatted report to your clipboard, and the download button exports a plain text file. It’s handy for change requests, compliance evidence, or saving a snapshot before a migration.

Safe by design

This tool performs read-only lookups and never modifies DNS. It does not require API keys, and it does not store your queries. You can use it during planning, troubleshooting, or verification without changing your configuration.

Use Cases

• Website troubleshooting: Confirm that A/AAAA records point to the correct server after a deployment or hosting change.
• CDN and alias checks: Validate CNAME chains when connecting a CDN, load balancer, or managed platform.
• Email setup verification: Inspect MX records and TXT policies (SPF, DKIM selectors, DMARC) during mailbox setup or deliverability work.
• Domain delegation audits: Review NS and SOA records to ensure the right authoritative nameservers and zone parameters are in place.
• Service discovery: Check SRV records for services such as SIP, XMPP, or other port-based endpoints that depend on SRV priority and weight.
• Certificate controls: Verify CAA records to confirm which certificate authorities are allowed to issue TLS certificates for your domain.
• Reverse DNS checks: Use PTR lookups to see reverse mappings for IP addresses when working on email reputation or network diagnostics.

Whether you’re migrating DNS providers, validating a new SaaS integration, or diagnosing intermittent resolution issues, a quick DNS lookup is often the fastest way to confirm what the world can see for your domain.

Optimization Tips

Mind TTL during migrations

If you are planning a cutover, reduce TTL ahead of time so caches expire faster. After the change stabilizes, you can raise TTL again to reduce resolver load and speed up repeat lookups for visitors.

Validate the exact hostname

DNS records are attached to specific names. Always query the precise hostname you configured (for example, www vs the apex domain) and double-check that your record type matches the intent (CNAME vs A/AAAA).

Cross-check mail records together

Mail reliability often depends on multiple records working together. When checking MX, also verify SPF (TXT), DKIM (TXT at a selector subdomain), and DMARC (TXT at _dmarc) to ensure policy alignment.

FAQ