DNS record lookup
Look up DNS records for any domain. Every record type explained in plain English — including SPF, DKIM, and DMARC analysis.
Record type quick reference
A
A Record (IPv4 address)
Maps the domain to an IPv4 address. This is what most people mean by "pointing a domain to a server". Your web server IP goes here.
AAAA
AAAA Record (IPv6 address)
Maps the domain to an IPv6 address. Like an A record but for the newer IPv6 protocol.
MX
MX Record (Mail exchanger)
Tells other mail servers where to deliver email for this domain. Multiple MX records can exist with different priorities — lower number = higher priority.
TXT
TXT Record (Text)
Stores arbitrary text. Used for SPF (email authentication), DKIM keys, DMARC policy, domain verification (Google, Cloudflare), and more.
CNAME
CNAME Record (Canonical name / alias)
Makes one domain an alias for another. Instead of an IP address, it points to another domain name. CNAMEs can't coexist with other record types on the same name.
NS
NS Record (Nameserver)
Lists the nameservers authoritative for this domain. These are the servers that hold the definitive DNS records. Changing these delegates DNS control (e.g. to Cloudflare).
SOA
SOA Record (Start of Authority)
The master record for the DNS zone. Contains the primary nameserver, admin contact email, serial number, and timing values that control how often secondary nameservers refresh.
PTR
PTR Record (Reverse DNS)
Reverse DNS lookup — maps an IP address back to a domain name. Used by mail servers to verify that the sending IP matches the claimed domain (important for email deliverability).
Need help with DNS, email deliverability, or Cloudflare setup?
Browse ebooks →
View courses →
Our solo developer ebooks and courses cover real-world server and DNS configuration from scratch.