DNS Lookup Tool

About DNS records

When someone types yourdomain.co.ke into a browser, their computer asks a DNS server "what IP address does this name point to?" The answer comes from one or more DNS records hosted by your domain's nameservers. Here's what each common record type does:

• A record — points the domain to an IPv4 address (e.g. 136.243.37.45). This is what tells the browser where to fetch the website.
• AAAA record — same as A but for IPv6 addresses.
• CNAME — an alias from one name to another (e.g. www.yourdomain.co.ke → yourdomain.co.ke).
• MX record — where to deliver email for the domain. Critical for business email.
• NS record — which nameservers are authoritative for the domain.
• TXT record — arbitrary text data. Used for SPF, DKIM, DMARC (email authentication) and domain verification.
• SOA record — administrative metadata about the zone (serial number, refresh interval).
• CAA record — restricts which Certificate Authorities can issue SSL certificates for the domain.

Common reasons to do a DNS lookup

• Verify your nameserver change has propagated after switching hosts.
• Diagnose email delivery problems (check MX, SPF, DKIM).
• Confirm an SSL/AutoSSL setup is working (CAA records).
• Audit a competitor or supplier's infrastructure.