Nameservers are a fundamental part of the Domain Name System (DNS) responsible for translating URLs into IP addresses for the computer to read.
To check nameservers for a domain, you’ll need to use the command line interface on your computer or a DNS lookup tool. This is an efficient way to learn more about a specific domain before purchasing it, or to make sure that your site’s current nameserver records are accurate.
In this article, we’ll look at two ways to check nameservers for a specific domain, as well as our top DNS lookup tools. Selecting the right domain hosting provider is essential to secure and enhance your website’s online presence. Explore our comprehensive guide to the top domain hosting providers to make an informed choice.
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- There are two ways to check domain name server records: through your computer’s command line or using an online NS lookup tool
- To use the nslookup tool for DNS queries, you’ll need a stable internet connection
- Online tools make it easy for anyone to check DNS records, regardless of their technical expertise
- When switching hosting providers, you should always check the nameserver records to make sure they are correct
How to Check Nameservers for Domain
There are two ways to look up a nameserver record for a domain you’re interested in. You can use the command line application, or you can use one of the many nameserver lookup tools available online.
Method 1: Check Nameservers for Domain in Command Line
You can check nameserver information and other DNS records directly on your computer by opening the command line. Keep in mind that you will need a stable internet connection to do this. Here’s how to conduct an nslookup on a Windows operating system.
Open the Command Prompt in Windows
To open the command prompt in Windows, search for “cmd†in the Start menu. Open the app from the search results.
You can also open the command prompt window by pressing the Windows key and R at the same time. This will bring up the Run Command box. Type “cmd†into the box to open the command line.
Enter the Name Server Lookup Command and Hit Enter
To check the NS records for your desired domain, you’ll need to use the nslookup command.
This command is used to find a wide range of information about domain names, including nameservers, IP addresses, and more.
To use this command, enter the following into the command line and press enter.
nslookup -type=ns [your domain name]
You’ll see a list of information about your domain name, including the associated nameserver records.
While we’ve used a Windows operating system as an example, you can also use nslookup with Linux or MacOS operating systems.
Method 2: Check DNS Records with a Name Server Lookup Tool
If you don’t want to open your computer’s command line, you can also use a DNS checker. These tools function as an nslookup online. These tools provide a faster, more user-friendly way to check the DNS records.
Best DNS Checkers and DNS Lookup Tools to Try
There are many excellent DNS checker tools available online. In addition to NS records, these tools can also provide an IP address, server location, and more. This information can help you make sure that the name server for your domain registrar is working properly.
Here are the top DNS lookup tools to try when searching for this information.
- DNS Propagation Checker: DNS Propagation Checker allows you to quickly perform a global nameserver lookup. You’ll find the DNS server responsible for your domain as well as the domain’s IP address. Each NS record is displayed in a way that’s simple and easy to read. The DNS Propagation Checker also has a list of global DNS servers available at a glance.
- DNSChecker: With this tool, users can enter a valid domain name and select from associated DNS servers to check DNS settings. The tool allows you to specify which record types you’d like to check.
- intoDNS: This simple, straightforward tool provides detailed DNS reporting for any domain name. Not only does this tool tell you what your name servers are, but it also provides helpful troubleshooting information to make sure your domain is working properly.
- Nslookup.io: This is another helpful tool for checking DNS records. It is very user-friendly and the associated records are easy to read and interpret. The tool has a drop-down menu to help you find the domain name you’re looking for. In addition to relevant nameserver records, you’ll also see MX records and site ownership verification.
- DNS Inspect: This tool is particularly helpful if you’re looking to troubleshoot issues with your domain name. It provides an in-depth look at your DNS records, identifies potential problems, and provides suggestions for how to fix a DNS server not responding.
- Domsignal DNS Lookup: Domsignal’s DNS lookup tool is a quick and easy way to check nameserver records and IP addresses. It provides clear, detailed DNS records, with plenty of information readily available to help you interpret the results.
Final Word: Checking DNS Server Records for a Domain
The process of finding a nameserver record for a given domain is straightforward. Online tools make it easy to check the nameserver for a domain in just a few clicks, or you can use the nslookup command.
When making changes to your domain hosting, you should always check your DNS records to make sure they are correct. This ensures that visitors will be able to find your website without error.
Next Steps: What Now?
- Familiarize yourself with the DNS and how it works to better evaluate your server records.
- If your nameserver is incorrect, reach out to your web host to correct the problem.
- Choose a web hosting provider for your website. A reliable web host will ensure that your nameserver records are correct.
- Configure custom nameservers for your Windows hosting accounts for consistency and branding.
