DNS MX Record Lookup

What is DNS ?

DNS (Domain Name System) is a service that translates domain names into IP addresses. Users can easily remember domain names, but he computers understand IP addresses that’s why we need DNS. For example, without this service, you have to type '185.60.216.35' in your browser instead of www.facebook.com to access Facebook. IP - Domain mappings are kept on DNS servers. You can query those matches on securityforeveryone.com

There is two type of IP addresses IPv4, and IPv6. IPv4 address looks like these:

            8.8.8.8
            127.0.0.1
            255.255.255.255
            

IPv6 addressed looks like these (all of them are the same IP):

            ::ffff:808:808
            0:0:0:0:0:ffff:0808:0808
            0000:0000:0000:0000:0000:ffff:0808:0808
            

What is DNS MX RECORD ?

A MX Records (stands for Email Exchanger Record) is hold a domain name which is responsible for accepting emails.

Without MX record, e-mail services couldn't know where to deliver emails. Let's give a real-life example and send a mail to email address ending with @securityforeveryone.com. To to that we have to;

1. Ask MX record of securityforeveryone.com to DNS server. Domain name in the answer is responsible for accepting emails on behalf of securityforeveryone.com
2. Find IP address of email server for securityforeveryone.com
3. Send email with an email protocol.

DNS MX record must have a valid hostname address (such as mail.securityforeveryone.com) and a prioritization value. Lowest value means that it will be chosen first. If it is unreachable, other options are tried.

How to Do DNS MX Record Lookup?

Easiest way to do that is using our free and online DNS MX Record lookup tool. Write your domain in the search field on top of the page.

Or if you are using a Linux or an OS X operating system, open terminal and type dig -t mx yourdomain.com. If your domain has a valid MX record, it would look like that:

dig -t mx securityforeveryone.com
 ;; ANSWER SECTION:
securityforeveryone.com. 299	IN	MX	10 mx.yandex.net.

10 is a value for prioritization. And mx.yandex.net is a hostname to send and receive email.

If you are using Windows open powershell and type Resolve-DnsName -Name yourdomain.com -Type A

Some Advice for Common Problems

If your MX records don't look the way you want, you need to configure your DNS settings correctly.

1. First of all make sure your MX records are not empty and correct
2. Check the IP address of the domain name that the MX records show
3. Make sure an e-mail service is running on the IP address.