Global DNS lookup
See what DNS is actually returning before you blame the registrar, the CDN, or the app.
DNS record types explained
A record
Maps a hostname to an IPv4 address. Apex domains often use A records when a platform gives you a fixed address.
CNAME
Points one hostname to another hostname. It is common for www, subdomains, and managed hosting targets, but it normally cannot be used at the zone apex.
MX
Defines which mail servers receive email for the domain. Wrong priority or missing MX records can break inbound mail even when the website works.
TXT
Carries text used for domain verification, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and other ownership or policy checks.
AAAA
Maps a hostname to an IPv6 address.
NS
Lists the authoritative name servers that serve the DNS zone.
Common DNS configuration cheatsheet
Google Workspace
Vercel
Netlify
Microsoft 365
DNS error code guide
Domain does not exist
The queried hostname is not present in DNS, the record was removed, or the name was entered with the wrong subdomain.
Resolver failure
The resolver could not complete the lookup. Common causes include authoritative nameserver problems, DNSSEC failures, or temporary upstream errors.
Request refused
The server declined to answer the request because of resolver policy or recursion limits.
Domain exists, record missing
The name exists, but the specific record type you asked for is not configured. This is common when A works but TXT, MX, or CNAME does not.
Frequently asked questions
Why am I still seeing the old record after changing DNS?
Propagation is mostly cache expiration. Recursive resolvers may keep the old answer until the previous TTL expires, and different networks can refresh at different times.
What is an SOA record?
The Start of Authority record defines core zone metadata such as the serial number, refresh behavior, and administrative authority for the zone.
What is DNS over HTTPS?
DNS over HTTPS sends DNS lookups through HTTPS instead of traditional plaintext resolver traffic, which improves privacy and can reduce tampering.
Why does my custom domain fail even though DNS looks correct?
DNS is only one part of launch. The hosting platform may still need domain verification, certificate provisioning, apex or www routing, redirect rules, or time for edge configuration to update.
Should I use A, AAAA, or CNAME for a deployed site?
Use the record type your hosting provider asks for. A and AAAA point directly to IP addresses, while CNAME points to another hostname managed by the provider.