DNS lookup
With the DNS Lookup tool, you can look up a domain’s DNS records, including A, MX, CNAME, TXT, and NS records, to check its DNS configuration and verify that it is set up correctly.
What is a DNS lookup?
A Domain Name System (DNS) lookup queries a domain’s DNS records and shows how that domain is set up online, from its IP address to its mail routing rules. Every website depends on the DNS to convert a name people can remember into an address computers can read. Enter any domain above to run a DNS lookup by domain and view its records within seconds. Zoho Toolkit queries the domain’s authoritative name server directly, so results reflect its current setup rather than an outdated cache.
How to run a DNS lookup
Enter the domain name in the search field.
Click Lookup.
Review the A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, NS, SOA, SRV, and TXT records returned.
No sign-up or installation is required. If you registered your domain through Zoho Domains or route business email through Zoho Mail, this is a fast way to confirm that your records are live before you make any changes.
Forward and reverse DNS lookup
A DNS lookup can run in two directions. A forward lookup resolves a domain name to its IP address, which is what most searches for DNS lookup are after. A reverse DNS lookup does the opposite: It resolves an IP address back to its hostname. This is also called an IP reverse DNS lookup, and mail servers use it to confirm a sender is legitimate before accepting its email. Zoho Toolkit’s Reverse IP Lookup tool runs this check separately, using the same authoritative data.
DNS lookup for nameservers
A domain’s NS records list its authoritative nameservers, which are the servers responsible for answering DNS queries about that domain. A DNS lookup nameserver check confirms which provider currently controls your DNS. This matters after a domain transfer or a hosting switch. If the nameservers shown don’t match your DNS host, changes made there won’t take effect until they do.
Checking DNS lookup propagation
DNS changes don’t appear everywhere at once. DNS lookup propagation is the time it takes for updated records to replace cached copies across resolvers worldwide, typically 24 to 48 hours. Running a fresh lookup lets you check whether a change has taken effect on a given server, or whether an older, cached version is still being served elsewhere.
WHOIS DNS lookup: Records and ownership together
A DNS lookup shows how a domain is configured, but not who owns it. For that, pair it with a WHOIS DNS lookup. Check the domain’s DNS records there, then use Zoho’s WHOIS Lookup tool to view the registrant, registrar, and expiration date. Run together, the two searches give a complete view before a domain purchase, migration, or security review.
Types of DNS records
Each record type serves a different purpose.
MX records route email to the designated mail server.
CNAME records create an alias that points one domain or subdomain to another.
A and AAAA records map a domain or subdomain to its IPv4 or IPv6 address.
SOA records define the authoritative information for a DNS zone.
SRV records specify the host and port for particular services.
TXT records store text-based information, including SPF and DKIM values used for email authentication.
Use Zoho Toolkit’s DMARC Checker to verify DMARC records and DMARC Report Analyzer to review incoming DMARC reports.
Why DNS lookup matters
A DNS lookup helps you troubleshoot a broken website, confirm records after a migration, verify email deliverability, and catch outdated or unauthorized entries before they cause downtime. IT teams, domain owners, and email administrators use it as a first check whenever something isn’t resolving correctly. It’s one of several free tools in Zoho Toolkit, alongside WHOIS, SPF, and DMARC lookups.
Why should you choose Zoho’s DNS lookup tool?
Zoho Toolkit’s DNS lookup tool queries authoritative name servers directly, so results reflect a domain’s live configuration, not a cached copy. It requires no sign-up or installation and returns every major record type in one search. As part of Zoho Toolkit, it also connects to WHOIS, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC lookups, so you can move from DNS records to ownership or email authentication without switching tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the types of DNS lookup?
There are two types: forward, which resolves a domain name to its IP address, and reverse, which resolves an IP address back to its domain name.
How do I perform a DNS lookup using command-line tools?
The command for a DNS lookup depends on the OS. On Windows, run nslookup domain.com in Command Prompt. On macOS or Linux, run dig domain.com in Terminal.
Can I delete DNS records?
Yes. DNS records can be deleted from your domain’s zone file through your DNS host or registrar. Once removed, they cannot be recovered, so delete records only when necessary.
What type of records can I check with a DNS lookup?
Zoho Toolkit’s DNS lookup tool checks A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, NS, SOA, SRV, and TXT records, giving a full view of a domain’s configuration in one search.
What is dig for DNS lookup?
Dig is a command-line tool for macOS and Linux used to query DNS records directly from a name server. It’s commonly used to verify changes and troubleshoot DNS issues.
What are the different types of DNS records?
DNS records are grouped by function. Address records (A, AAAA) map domains to IPs, routing records (MX, NS) handle mail and delegation, and TXT records store authentication data such as SPF and DMARC.
What are the records to look for in a DNS report?
Focus on MX for mail routing, TXT for SPF and DMARC authentication, NS for nameserver accuracy, and A or CNAME for IP resolution. These affect deliverability and accessibility the most.