// RESOLVER
DNS & WHOIS Tools
Resolve DNS records for a hostname and pull registration (RDAP/WHOIS) data for a domain or IP.
// DNS records
// WHOIS / RDAP
// DNS records and WHOIS explained
DNS (the Domain Name System) is the internet's address book: it translates human-friendly names like example.com into the IP addresses machines use. A domain publishes several record types — A and AAAA point to IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, MX directs email, NS lists the authoritative name servers, TXT holds verification and policy data (like SPF), CNAME creates aliases, and SOA describes the zone itself.
WHOIS — and its modern, structured successor RDAP — reveals registration details for a domain or IP block: who it's allocated to, when it was registered, when it expires, and which name servers it uses. It's useful for verifying ownership, investigating abuse, or checking expiry.
This tool resolves records over DNS-over-HTTPS (so it works from any browser) and pulls registration data through RDAP. Note that much personal WHOIS contact information is now redacted for privacy under regulations like GDPR.
// Frequently asked questions
- What is a DNS record?
- An entry in a domain's zone that tells the internet where to send different kinds of traffic — e.g. an A record for the website's IP, or an MX record for email.
- What is the difference between WHOIS and RDAP?
- Both return registration data for domains and IPs. RDAP is the newer, standardised, machine-readable replacement for the older free-text WHOIS protocol; this tool uses RDAP.
- What is an MX record?
- A Mail Exchange record specifies which mail servers receive email for a domain, and in what priority order.
- Why is WHOIS contact information hidden?
- Since GDPR and similar privacy rules, registrars redact most personal contact details. You'll typically see the registrar, status, and dates, but not the registrant's name or address.