DNS Explained: How Domain Name System Works (Simple Guide)

DNS (Domain Name System) is often called the "phonebook of the internet." This guide explains how DNS works in simple terms, common DNS record types, and how to troubleshoot DNS issues.

What is DNS?

DNS translates human-friendly domain names (like google.com) into computer-friendly IP addresses (like 142.250.185.46) that computers use to communicate with each other.

Without DNS, you would need to memorize IP addresses for every website you want to visit!

How DNS Works: Simple Explanation

You type "google.com" into your browser
Your computer asks its DNS resolver "What's the IP address for google.com?"
The DNS resolver checks its cache (memory) first
If not cached, it queries DNS root servers, then TLD servers, then authoritative nameservers
The IP address is returned to your computer
Your browser connects to that IP address

This entire process happens in milliseconds!

Common DNS Record Types

A Record (Address Record)

Maps a domain name to an IPv4 address.
Example: example.com → 93.184.216.34

AAAA Record

Maps a domain name to an IPv6 address.
Example: example.com → 2606:2800:220:1:248:1893:25c8:1946

CNAME Record (Canonical Name)

Creates an alias for another domain.
Example: www.example.com → example.com

MX Record (Mail Exchange)

Specifies mail servers for the domain.
Example: mail.example.com (priority 10)

TXT Record

Stores text information, used for verification and email security (SPF, DKIM, DMARC).

NS Record (Name Server)

Specifies authoritative name servers for the domain.

Use our DNS Lookup Tool to view all DNS records for any domain instantly.

Common DNS Issues and Solutions

DNS Server Not Responding

Solution: Change to public DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1)

DNS Propagation Delay

Issue: DNS changes can take 24-48 hours to propagate globally
Solution: Be patient, flush DNS cache, or use different DNS server

Website Not Loading

Solution: Flush your DNS cache:

Windows: ipconfig /flushdns
Mac: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
Linux: sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches

Best Public DNS Servers

Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 (fastest, privacy-focused)
Google: 8.8.8.8 (reliable, widely used)
Quad9: 9.9.9.9 (security/malware blocking)
OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 (family filtering available)

DNS Security

DNSSEC (DNS Security Extensions)

Adds cryptographic signatures to DNS records to prevent tampering and DNS spoofing attacks.

DNS over HTTPS (DoH)

Encrypts DNS queries to prevent ISP tracking and improve privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "DNS lookup failed" mean?

It means your computer couldn't translate the domain name to an IP address. Try flushing DNS cache or changing DNS servers.

How do I change my DNS server?

Go to network settings, find your connection, and manually enter DNS server addresses (like 1.1.1.1 and 8.8.8.8).

Why is DNS important?

DNS makes the internet usable by converting easy-to-remember domain names into IP addresses that computers understand.

Check DNS Records: Use our DNS Lookup Tool to view A, AAAA, MX, TXT, NS, and other records for any domain!