Guide
DNS Record Types Explained
DNS records turn domain names into the data browsers, mail servers, and other clients need to reach internet services.
Last reviewed: June 12, 2026
Quick reference
Common record types
- A
- Maps a name to IPv4 addresses.
- AAAA
- Maps a name to IPv6 addresses.
- CNAME
- Makes one name an alias for another canonical name.
- MX
- Lists mail exchangers and their priorities for a domain.
- NS
- Lists authoritative nameservers for a DNS zone.
- TXT
- Stores text values often used for SPF, verification, and service policy records.
- PTR
- Maps an IP address back to a hostname in reverse DNS.
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Guide
Which record should I check?
Check A and AAAA records when a website or API hostname does not resolve to the expected IP addresses.
Check MX and TXT records when mail delivery, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, or domain verification is the issue. Check NS records when delegation or nameserver setup looks wrong.
Guide
Why answers vary
DNS answers can vary by resolver, cache age, TTL, provider routing, split-horizon DNS, and geography.
A quick lookup is useful for diagnostics, but production DNS changes may still need authoritative queries, propagation checks, and provider logs.
Reference
Key terms
- TTL
- Time to live, or how long a resolver may cache an answer
- Resolver
- DNS service that answers client queries
- Authoritative server
- Nameserver responsible for a DNS zone
Examples
Examples
Website address
example.com A
Check IPv4 address records.
Look up A records
Mail routing
google.com MX
Check mail exchanger hostnames and priorities.
Look up MX records
Policy text
example.com TXT
Check text records returned for a domain.
Look up TXT records
Next steps
Related guides and tools
Questions
FAQ
Is CNAME the same as redirecting a website?
No. CNAME is a DNS alias. HTTP redirects happen later at the web server or application layer.
Does ALL show every DNS record?
Not necessarily. The ALL option asks for ShowIP's common supported record groups, not every possible DNS type or provider-specific record.
Sources