Liquid Web DNS checker

Free global DNS checker

Check what DNS servers around the world are reporting for your domain below. Enter a valid domain name and click “look up” for DNS records and propagation worldwide.

Getting started with our global DNS checker

What is DNS?

DNS (Domain Name System) is a phonebook of every web address on the internet. The DNS system translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses, which are then used to connect users to the content they’re looking for.

How does DNS propagate?

DNS propagation connects a website’s address across the internet. First, DNS changes are made to the primary server for the domain name. The updated record is sent to all other servers globally, making it available on the internet.

How do I do a DNS lookup?

Enter your URL and use the dropdown menu to select your record type. Then click “look up” to test if your site’s DNS is working properly.

What DNS record should I look up?

There are several different types of DNS records; each type holds different information about the registered domain

A

The IPv4 address (A) record connects your domain to your hostname IP address. It “names” the server that hosts your website, using the legacy IP address system.

AAAA

The IPv6 address (AAAA) record connects your domain to a next-gen IP address. It also “names” the server you use to host your website.

CNAME

The canonical name (CNAME) record points an alias domain name to your correct domain name. If a user typed in example.com, it would redirect to www.example.com.

NS

The nameserver (NS) record identifies which server created the original DNS record. It shows the correct server path for the website being typed into the browser.

MX

The mail exchange (MX) record directs any incoming mail sent to an email address with your domain to the proper mail server in order to deliver it to your inbox

TXT

The text (TXT) record allows you to include human-readable notes about your domain. TXT is commonly used to verify ownership, a company name, or email credibility.

SOA

The state of authority (SOA) record shows ownership information for a domain and its last update. It also specifies propagation rules (DNS zones) to sync servers.

PTR

The pointer (PTR) record is a resolver between an IP and domain name. Known as reverse lookup, it identifies a domain associated with an IP address.

SPF

The sender policy framework (SPF) record confirms the authenticity of email sent from your domain. Without it, a server may consider it spam, phishing, or spoofing.

Why is DNS lookup important?

If you’ve recently switched hosting providers or started a new website, the first few days are a critical time for DNS propagation. If your DNS isn’t working, your website will not load. Global DNS is the critical glue that keeps websites online and connected.

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DNS checker FAQ

Our free DNS checker provides a free lookup service to check how far your domain has propagated or if there have been any problems.

DNS lookup makes it possible for users to load your website globally. When an IP and domain are linked, your content is viewable to whoever finds it! It especially matters if you are registering a new domain name.

An IP address is a long series of numbers and symbols that only a computer can remember. Since we’re humans, we use readable language to visit a URL (ex: nexcess.net). DNS links the computer version of your domain (IP address) to the readable URL in your browser bar.

It’s what makes your website easily accessible to everyone on the web. Without a domain name system (DNS), we would be typing full IP addresses into the browser bar! Strong DNS also makes your site load faster.

In the event of propagation errors, use our free online DNS checker can quickly see if your new domain is properly linked up (or not). Or, log into the client portal to contact Nexcess for DNS settings and propagation support. If you’re interested in using our Global DNS service, contact us! We’re happy to help speed up your site.

DNS refreshes every 24 hours, which is why propagation can take up to 3 days. It can also take as little as five minutes, depending on where you registered your domain. If you’re waiting to go live, we recommend using our DNS checker tool daily.