Free SEO tool

DNS Lookup Tool

Enter a domain and a record type to see its DNS records and TTL, such as the IP address, mail servers, name servers or text records.

By iToolsLab Editorial TeamUpdated 14 October 2026How we build tools

What is dns lookup tool?

DNS is the system that turns a domain name into an address and tells the world where to send mail. A DNS lookup shows those records for a domain.

Website owners use it to check that a domain points to the right server, that mail records are correct and that verification text records are in place after a change.

How to use the dns lookup tool

  1. Enter a domain such as example.com.
  2. Choose the record type.
  3. Press Look up and read the records.

How the dns lookup tool works

The tool asks Google Public DNS for the record type you choose, using its JSON API over HTTPS, and shows the answer with its time to live in seconds.

Worked example

An A lookup for a domain shows its IPv4 address. An NS lookup shows the name servers, which tells you where DNS is managed.

Common uses of the dns lookup tool

  • Checking a new site goes live.
  • Fixing email delivery.
  • Verifying Search Console and other TXT records.
  • Finding name servers.
  • Debugging domain moves.

Tips and common mistakes

After changing DNS, results can take from minutes to a few hours to update everywhere.

Check NS records to see who hosts your DNS before you edit anything.

Background: what to know before you rely on it

DNS works like a distributed phone book. Resolvers cache answers for the time to live set on each record, which is why changes are not instant. Common problems include an A record pointing to an old server, missing MX records, a CNAME that conflicts with another record or an SPF text record that is too long. A good habit before moving a site is to lower the TTL a day earlier, so the change spreads quickly, and then raise it again when everything works.

Private, free and fast

This tool sends the domain name you type to Google Public DNS to read its records. Nothing else is sent, and we do not store the domain. It is free to use as often as you like. See more in all seo tools, or browse the full list of tools.

Frequently asked questions

What is an A record?

It points a name to an IPv4 address.

What are MX records?

They tell the world which servers receive email for the domain.

What is TTL?

How long, in seconds, a record can be cached.

Is the lookup private?

The domain is sent to Google Public DNS. See the note on this page.

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