🌍 DNS Lookup Suite

Global recursive DNS lookup for any domain. Fetch A, MX, TXT, and internal records instantly.

Complete DNS Record Reference Guide

Select a record type below to explore its definition, purpose, and real-world examples.

A Record
AAAA Record
MX Record
TXT Record
CNAME Record

A Record — IPv4 Mapping

An Address (A) record maps a domain name to a 32-bit IPv4 address. It is the core of the modern web, allowing browsers to find the server that hosts your website.

example.com. 3600 IN A 93.184.216.34

AAAA Record — IPv6 Mapping

An AAAA record (quad-A) maps a domain name to a 128-bit IPv6 address. IPv6 is the successor to IPv4, addressing the global exhaustion of IP addresses.

example.com. 3600 IN AAAA 2606:2800:220:1:248:1893:25c8:1946

MX Record — Mail Exchange

Mail Exchange (MX) records specify the mail servers responsible for receiving email on behalf of a domain. They include a priority number used to rank multiple servers.

example.com. 3600 IN MX 10 aspmx.l.google.com.

TXT Record — Arbitrary Text

TXT records store arbitrary text-based information. They are primarily used for site verification (Google/Microsoft), SPF, DKIM, and DMARC email security policies.

example.com. 3600 IN TXT "v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all"

CNAME — Canonical Name

Canonical Name (CNAME) records create an alias for one domain to another. This is often used to map "www" to the root domain or to point to external services like AWS or Shopify.

www.example.com. 3600 IN CNAME example.com.

Understanding DNS Propagation & Troubleshooting

When you update your domain's DNS settings at your registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, etc.), the changes aren't instantly visible to the entire world. This delay is known as DNS Propagation.

The Role of TTL (Time to Live)

Every DNS record has a value called TTL, measured in seconds. This tells DNS resolvers how long to cache (save) the record before asking your nameservers for an update.

Low TTL (60-300s): Changes propagate fast. Best for migrations or troubleshooting.
High TTL (3600s+): Reduces server load. Best for stable, unchanging records.

Technical Best Practices

To ensure 100% domain uptime and security, sysadmins should follow these industry standards:

  1. Redundant Nameservers: Always use at least two geographically diverse nameservers to prevent a single point of failure.
  2. SPF & DMARC Verification: Ensure your TXT records are correctly configured to prevent email spoofing and improve deliverability.
  3. Bulk Audit: Use our Bulk Lookup tool to regularly audit large portfolios of domains for consistency and correct routing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does DNS propagation take?

It typically takes 24 to 48 hours for changes to fully propagate globally, though most modern DNS providers update and propagate within minutes.

Why am I seeing old DNS results?

Your local computer, router, or ISP may be caching the old records. Try flushing your DNS cache or using our tool, which performs fresh recursive lookups.

What is a PTR record (rDNS)?

A Pointer record (Reverse DNS) maps an IP address back to a hostname. It is vital for mail servers to prove they are legitimate senders.