What is DNS and why is it important?

DNS (Domain Name System) is like the internet's directory, translating human-readable domain names (like myipreveal.com) into machine-readable IP addresses. It's essential for all internet communications, allowing you to access websites, send emails, and use online services without needing to remember numeric IP addresses.

How long does it take for DNS changes to propagate?

DNS propagation typically takes between 24-48 hours to complete worldwide, though many users may see changes sooner. The speed depends on the TTL (Time To Live) values of your DNS records, which control how long DNS servers should cache the information before checking for updates.

What are MX records used for?

MX (Mail Exchange) records specify which mail servers are responsible for receiving email on behalf of a domain. They contain a priority value (lower numbers indicate higher priority) and the hostname of the mail server. When someone sends an email to your domain, their mail server uses MX records to determine where to deliver the message.

How can I use DNS lookup to troubleshoot email issues?

You can use DNS lookup to verify that your domain has properly configured MX records pointing to your email provider's servers. Additionally, check for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records (via TXT records) which help prevent email spoofing and improve deliverability. Incorrect or missing DNS records are a common cause of email delivery problems.

DNS Lookup Tool

DNS Records for

Record Type	TTL	Value

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What is a DNS Lookup?

DNS (Domain Name System) lookup allows you to retrieve the specific DNS records associated with a domain name. These records control how internet traffic is directed, including web, email, and other services.

Website Records

Check the A records for a website to see which IP addresses it resolves to.

Try Example: GitHub.com A Records

Email Records

View MX (Mail Exchange) records to see mail server configurations for a domain.

Try Example: Gmail.com MX Records

Common DNS Record Types

Record Type	Purpose	Description
A	Address	Maps a domain to an IPv4 address
AAAA	IPv6 Address	Maps a domain to an IPv6 address
CNAME	Canonical Name	Creates an alias from one domain to another
MX	Mail Exchange	Specifies mail servers for receiving email
NS	Name Server	Delegates a domain to DNS servers
TXT	Text	Stores text information (often for SPF, DKIM verification)
SOA	Start of Authority	Contains administrative information about the zone

Common Uses for DNS Lookup

Troubleshooting website connection issues
Verifying DNS propagation after changes
Checking email server configurations
Investigating domain ownership and hosting details
Verifying SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records for email security