DNS Lookup Tool | Check DNS Records for Any Domain
Learn how to use a DNS lookup tool to inspect A, AAAA, MX, TXT, and other records, plus equivalent command-line queries.
Why DNS Lookups Matter
A DNS lookup tool lets you see exactly how a domain is configured on the internet. By querying authoritative name servers for A, AAAA, MX, TXT, and other records, you can verify that new settings have propagated, debug email routing problems, or confirm that a move to a new provider is complete.
Because DNS changes propagate gradually, checking from multiple locations or resolvers helps you spot caching issues and inconsistent configurations before they cause outages.
Command-Line Alternatives to Web DNS Tools
While web tools are convenient, command-line utilities provide more control and are easier to automate. They also work even when your browser cannot reach a particular site, as long as DNS itself is functioning.
Use the following commands as local equivalents to web-based DNS lookups when testing from Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Run these in Command Prompt or PowerShell.
nslookup example.com
nslookup -type=MX example.com
nslookup -type=TXT example.com
Use dig for detailed DNS diagnostics.
dig example.com
dig MX example.com
dig TXT example.com