DNS Lookup Tool Guide
Advanced DNS Lookup Capabilities
Our DNS lookup tool provides comprehensive DNS query functionality including forward lookups, reverse DNS lookups, DNS trace visualization, and DNSSEC validation.
Features Overview
Forward DNS Lookup
Query domain names to resolve IP addresses and other DNS records
Reverse DNS Lookup
Look up IP addresses to find associated domain names
DNS Trace
Visualize the complete DNS resolution path from root servers
DNSSEC Validation
Verify DNS responses with DNSSEC authentication
Using Forward DNS Lookup
- Select Forward DNS mode (default)
- Enter a domain name in the input field (e.g., example.com)
- Choose a record type:
- A - IPv4 address
- AAAA - IPv6 address
- MX - Mail exchange servers
- TXT - Text records (SPF, DMARC, etc.)
- NS - Name servers
- CNAME - Canonical name (alias)
- SOA - Start of Authority
- And many more...
- Select a DNS server or use system default
- Click "Perform DNS Lookup"
Using Reverse DNS Lookup
IP Address Required
Reverse DNS lookup requires a valid IPv4 or IPv6 address. Domain names cannot be used for reverse lookups.
- Click the "Reverse DNS" button to switch modes
- Enter an IP address:
- IPv4 example: 8.8.8.8
- IPv6 example: 2001:4860:4860::8888
- Click "Perform DNS Lookup"
- The tool will automatically:
- Convert the IP to reverse DNS format
- Query for PTR records
- Display the associated domain name(s)
Using DNS Trace
DNS trace shows the complete resolution path from root servers to the final answer. This is useful for:
- Debugging DNS resolution issues
- Understanding DNS hierarchy
- Identifying slow or failing name servers
- Learning how DNS works
Professional Visualization
Our DNS trace provides a visual timeline showing each step, response times, server information, and returned records at each hop.
To enable DNS trace:
- Check the "Enable DNS trace" checkbox before performing the lookup
- Perform the DNS lookup as normal
- View the trace visualization that appears with the results
- The trace shows:
- Each DNS server queried
- Response times for each hop
- Records returned at each step
- Total resolution time
- Success or failure status
Advanced Options
EDNS Client Subnet
Simulate DNS queries from a specific network location. This is useful for testing geo-located DNS responses or CDN behavior.
Example: 192.0.2.0/24
Protocol Selection
Choose between UDP (default) and TCP protocols. TCP is useful for:
- Large DNS responses that exceed 512 bytes
- Firewall environments that block UDP
- Testing DNS-over-TCP support
Custom DNS Port
Change from the default port 53 if your DNS server uses a non-standard port.
Query Class
Select the DNS query class:
- IN - Internet (default)
- CH - Chaos (used for DNS server information)
- HS - Hesiod (historical)
DNSSEC Validation
Enable DNSSEC validation to verify the authenticity of DNS responses. The tool will show whether responses are properly signed and validated.
Understanding Results
Query Summary
Shows the query details, server used, response time, and status code.
DNS Records
Displays all returned records organized by section (Answer, Authority, Additional).
Response Flags
Important DNS flags and their meanings:
- AA - Authoritative Answer
- TC - Truncated Response
- RD - Recursion Desired
- RA - Recursion Available
- AD - Authenticated Data (DNSSEC)
Tips and Best Practices
Pro Tips
- Use different DNS servers to compare results and check propagation
- Enable trace for educational purposes or troubleshooting
- Check both A and AAAA records for complete IPv4/IPv6 information
- Use reverse DNS to verify mail server configurations
- Save important results using the copy button for documentation
Common Use Cases
Domain Verification
Verify DNS records are properly configured for email, websites, and services
Troubleshooting
Diagnose DNS resolution issues and propagation problems
Security Audits
Check DNSSEC implementation and verify DNS security
Email Configuration
Verify MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records for email deliverability
Need more help? Check out our other guides on Understanding DNS Records or Multi-CDN and EDNS Client Subnet.