Results
What Does a DNS Lookup Show?
A DNS lookup shows the public records currently returned for a domain. These records connect the domain to website servers, mail providers, nameservers and verification services.
| Record | What it controls | Common reason to check it |
|---|---|---|
| A | Connects a hostname to an IPv4 address. | Confirm the website points to the correct server. |
| AAAA | Connects a hostname to an IPv6 address. | Check IPv6 routing or remove an outdated IPv6 destination. |
| MX | Directs incoming email to the correct mail servers. | Investigate missing email or a provider migration. |
| TXT | Stores verification and email-policy values such as SPF, DKIM and DMARC. | Check domain verification or email authentication. |
| NS | Identifies the nameservers responsible for the domain. | Confirm which DNS provider is currently authoritative. |
What Is TTL?
TTL means time to live. It tells DNS resolvers how long they may cache a record before checking for a newer value. A higher TTL can make old information remain visible for longer after a DNS change.
DNS Lookup Is Not the Same as Propagation Checking
This lookup shows the records returned to this server. A DNS propagation checker compares results from multiple locations, which is more useful after changing nameservers, hosting IP addresses or email records.
Before Changing a DNS Record
- Confirm which nameservers are active before editing records.
- Copy the existing value so it can be restored if necessary.
- Avoid deleting mail records while changing website hosting.
- Check both the root domain and any required hostname such as www.
- Allow for DNS caching before repeatedly changing the same record.
Practical Checks
How to Use DNS Lookup Results
DNS lookup results help confirm how a domain is connected to hosting, email and verification services.
A / AAAA records
Used to point a domain or hostname to an IPv4 or IPv6 address for website hosting.
MX records
Used to route email for a domain to the correct mail provider.
TXT records
Commonly used for SPF, DKIM, DMARC, domain verification and service checks.
DNS Troubleshooting Checklist
- Confirm the domain is using the correct nameservers.
- Check whether the expected record exists at the active DNS provider.
- Look for duplicate or conflicting records.
- Allow time for DNS cache and TTL values after changes.
Website Tools
More Free Website Tools
Use these related tools to check DNS, SSL, headers, website status, speed, IP information and domain details.
DNS Lookup FAQs
What is a DNS lookup?
A DNS lookup retrieves public DNS records for a domain so you can see how its website, email and related services are configured.
What does an A record do?
An A record connects a domain or hostname to an IPv4 address used by a website server.
What does an AAAA record do?
An AAAA record connects a domain or hostname to an IPv6 address.
What are MX records?
MX records identify the mail servers that should receive email for a domain. Lower priority numbers are normally tried first.
What are TXT records used for?
TXT records are commonly used for SPF, DKIM, DMARC, service verification and other text-based domain settings.
What are NS records?
NS records identify the authoritative nameservers responsible for publishing a domain's DNS records.
Why are my DNS changes not showing yet?
Resolvers may continue using cached records until their TTL expires. Nameserver and record changes can therefore appear at different times from different locations.
Can this tool help troubleshoot email?
Yes. MX records show mail routing, while TXT records can reveal SPF and other email-authentication settings. A full email diagnosis may also require checking DKIM, DMARC and mail-server logs.
Why do different DNS tools show different results?
They may use different resolvers or locations with different cached data, particularly while DNS changes are propagating.
Should I include https:// when searching?
It is not required. You can enter the domain alone, although this tool will also remove the scheme and path from a full website URL.
Need Hosting, DNS or Domain Help?
Use the DNS lookup tool to check your records, then choose hosting, domain or email services that keep your website connected properly.