3 Best Tools to Check DNS Records of Domains
DNS records are instructions that tell the internet how to handle your domain. They store details like your website’s IP address, email servers, and security settings. When someone visits your site or sends you an email, DNS records guide the request to the right server. Without correct DNS records, websites can break, and emails can fail.
Many tools let you check DNS records, but not all provide clear, reliable results. Some tools show only basic records, while others provide deep insights. These insights help with troubleshooting, SEO, and security.
In this post, we will discuss 3 of the best tools for checking domain DNS records. But before getting you into the tools, let’s have a little talk about why DNS records need to be checked.
Why Do DNS Records Need to Be Checked?
Anyone who owns a website or an online asset often needs to check DNS records. Checking the records helps confirm that none of their services are experiencing downtime or a cyberattack.
Here are the primary scenarios where checking a domain’s DNS records can be helpful.
Website Availability
A website’s availability online is directly dependent on the DNS records configured for it. If incorrect values are configured in the DNS, your website will fail to load.
And if a wrong value is added to records, such as an ‘A’ record, users might be redirected to a malicious or phishing website. That is where checking DNS records helps protect both your website from going offline and your website users from being redirected to a spammy website.
Email Delivery
Web email – the emails that you send/receive on behalf of your domain are directly controlled by MX and SPF record values in the DNS setup of your domain. Any misconfiguration in these records can fail email deliverability.
Also, emails sent from your domain will land in the spam folder. Checking records helps you verify that record values are correct and that your website’s email services are working properly.
Website Security & Migration
DNS records can be targets for hijacking or spoofing. Checking them helps detect unauthorized changes and protect your domain.
Additionally, when a website’s hosting is changed, its DNS records get updated. By checking records, you can make sure that your website traffic is being directed to the correct IP address, not the outdated one.
3 Best DNS Record Checking Tools
The process of checking the DNS records configured for a domain is called DNS Record Lookup. Many online DNS record lookup tools are available that help you check these records by retrieving the information from the DNS setup of a domain name.
Here are 3 reliable ones that, for free, retrieve all records for a valid domain and give you organized results.
1. DNS Record Checker by IPLocation
The first tool on our list is DNS Record Checker by IPLocation. It is very easy to use. To check records, you just need to:
- Enter the domain name.
- Choose the record type you want to check, like A, MX, TXT, or CNAME. You can also check all records at once by selecting ‘All’.
- Hit ‘Enter’ or click the ‘Lookup DNS’ button.
That’s it. The tool will clearly display the results and help you check whether your DNS records are correct. This will help ensure your website, email, and other services work properly.
2. DNS Record Checker by Whatsmydns
DNS Record Checker by Whatsmydns is another simple tool. You type in your domain, select a record type or check all, and it shows results from servers around the world.
This is useful for seeing whether your DNS changes are visible globally. The interface is easy to understand and helps you quickly check records configured in the DNS setup of a valid public domain.
3. DNS-Lookup.net
The third-best DNS record checker on our list is DNS-Lookup.net. Enter the domain, pick the record type you want, or check all records at once.
The results are shown in a clear table, so it is easy to read. This tool helps you make sure your website, email, and security settings are correct. It is fast and easy for anyone who wants to check DNS records without confusion.
Things to Consider for Checking DNS Records
Checking DNS records should become a regular habit. Do not wait for a problem to appear. When you check records often, you can catch small issues early. This helps keep your website and email running continuously.
After you change any DNS record, always check it again. Sometimes, a minor typing error can disrupt a website or prevent emails from being sent. By checking twice, you make sure everything looks right and works as planned.
It also helps to save a copy of your DNS settings. You can write them down or keep screenshots. If something goes wrong later, you can quickly restore the correct values. This saves time and reduces stress.
Sometimes, a tool may display outdated or incorrect data. For this reason, consider using multiple DNS checking tools.
When two tools show the same result, you can trust the information more. This simple step helps you avoid confusion and mistakes.
Wrapping Up
DNS records control how your website and emails work. They guide traffic, messages, and services to the right place. If DNS records break, your online presence suffers.
Because of this, regular DNS checks matter a lot. They help you identify errors, verify updates, and enhance security.
The DNS record checking tools listed above make this task simple. They work fast and show clear results. They help beginners and experts manage DNS with confidence.
If you manage a website or domain, start using these tools today. They will help keep your DNS records clean and your online services running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually are DNS records?
DNS records act like a phone book for the internet. They tell browsers where your website lives. They also tell email servers how to send and receive emails. Because of this, correct DNS records matter a lot.
How often should I check my DNS records?
You should check DNS records regularly. For example, check them once a month. Also, check them right after any DNS change. This habit helps you find problems early. As a result, your website and emails stay online.
Can wrong DNS records harm my website?
Yes, wrong DNS records can cause big problems. For example, your website may stop opening. Also, your emails may go to the spam folder. Sometimes, users may land on a fake or unsafe website. Because of this, you should check DNS records often. This habit helps keep your website safe and working well.
Do DNS changes show results instantly?
No, DNS changes do not show results right away. Instead, they need some time to update. This wait time is called DNS propagation. It may take a few minutes. Sometimes, it can take up to 48 hours. During this time, some users may still see old details. So, checking DNS records helps you follow the update.
What DNS record types should I check first?
Start with the main DNS records. First, check the A record. It tells browsers where your website lives. Next, check the MX record. It helps your emails reach the right inbox. Then, check the TXT record. It helps keep emails safe and trusted. When you check these records first, your website and emails work smoothly.
About the Author
Lucie Mannette – With 10+ years of experience in SaaS content writing, she helos software companies attract, engage, and convert their ideal customers through data-driven, SEO-friendly content.
