How to Use This DNS Lookup Tool
Enter any domain name (e.g., example.com) and select the DNS record types you want to check. Click Look Up DNS to query Google's public DNS resolver for the latest records.
Common use cases:
- Verify DNS propagation — After changing hosting, check if A/CNAME records are updated
- Debug email issues — Check MX records and TXT records for SPF/DKIM/DMARC
- Domain verification — Confirm Google Search Console, HubSpot, or other tool TXT records
- Check nameserver delegation — Verify NS records point to the right DNS provider
- SSL certificate issuance — Check CAA records to see which CAs can issue certs
Data source: This tool uses Google DNS-over-HTTPS (dns.google), which is authoritative and fast. Results are real-time with TTL shown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DNS lookup?
A DNS lookup queries the Domain Name System to retrieve records associated with a domain. These records tell browsers, mail servers, and other systems where to find your website, where to send email, and how to authenticate your domain. Common DNS records include A (IPv4 address), MX (mail server), TXT (verification and SPF), CNAME (aliases), and NS (nameservers).
How do I check if my DNS is propagated?
Use this DNS lookup tool and check your A or CNAME records. If the lookup returns your new IP or hostname, DNS has propagated. DNS propagation typically takes 24–48 hours after a change, though many resolvers update within minutes. If you see old records, try again after clearing your local DNS cache (run: ipconfig /flushdns on Windows or sudo dscacheutil -flushcache on Mac).
What is an MX record and why does it matter for SEO?
An MX (Mail Exchange) record specifies which mail server handles email for your domain. While MX records don't directly affect SEO rankings, they're critical for email deliverability. Email outreach campaigns, newsletter signups, and client communications depend on correct MX records. Missing or misconfigured MX records mean lost email — and lost business.
What TXT records should every SaaS website have?
Every SaaS domain should have: (1) SPF record (v=spf1 ...) to authorize email senders, (2) DMARC record (_dmarc.yourdomain.com) to set email authentication policy, (3) DKIM records to cryptographically sign emails. Many SaaS companies also use TXT records for domain verification with Google Search Console, HubSpot, or other marketing tools.
How do I verify my Google Search Console domain via DNS?
Google Search Console provides a TXT record value to add to your DNS. After adding it, use this DNS lookup tool to verify by querying TXT records for your domain. If the Google verification code appears in the results (it starts with google-site-verification=), your domain is verified.
What is the difference between an A record and a CNAME record?
An A record maps a domain directly to an IPv4 address (e.g., example.com → 93.184.216.34). A CNAME record maps a domain to another domain name, not an IP address (e.g., www.example.com → example.com). CNAMEs are often used for subdomains and CDN setups. Important: you cannot use a CNAME at the root domain (apex domain) — use an A record there.