Check DNS for a Domain

This article explains steps and available options to check registration and DNS specifics for a domain name.  The following steps require terminal access.  The commands listed below will help with information gathering in regards to finding the registrar and nameserver values being used for a domains.  Individual DNS records that are propagated on the web can also be viewed. 

Gather DNS Information

Replace: Ensure anytime domain.com is used below it is replaced by the actual domain name information is needed on when running any terminal commands.

1. To check for the specific nameservers on a registered domain, run the following command in a terminal:

    whois domain.com

   NOTE: WHOIS contains specific domain registration details such as expiration date, registrar, and nameservers.
   TIP: Searching a domain name on whois.com is also an option to check domain registration details.
2. To check for the propagated DNS A record on a registered domain, run the following command in a terminal:

   dig domain.com

   TIP: Searching a domain name on whatsmydns.net is also an option to check DNS on a domain.
   TIP: InMotion also has an in house Domain Checker tool on our website that is an option to get registration and DNS specifics on a domain.
3. To check for a certain type of DNS record (MX, CNAME, TXT) place the record type in the command as shown below: 

   dig mx domain.com

4. To check how the DNS is pushing at the Nameserver level, add @nameserver to the dig command to see what the records are propagating for that nameserver:

   dig @nameserver domain.com

   Replace: Replace nameserver with the Nameserver that you are trying to dig. For example, if this were for InMotion's Nameservers it would be @ns1.inmotionhosting.com.