FAQ

What does BetterDNS.info check?

It checks IP addresses, nameservers, MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, registrar details, and WHOIS information for a domain.

Do I need a DKIM selector?

Only if you want to inspect a DKIM record, because DKIM records are usually stored under a selector-specific subdomain. The domain lookup still works without it for the other records.

How do I find my DKIM selector?

DKIM selectors are set by whoever configured DKIM signing for your domain — usually your email provider or hosting platform. Common selectors include names like default, mail, google, selector1, or s1. You can check your email provider's documentation, inspect the raw headers of a sent email (look for the DKIM-Signature header and find the s= tag), or try common selector names directly in BetterDNS.info.

Why is this faster than using several separate tools?

BetterDNS.info is built around parallel lookups, so the main domain checks are performed together instead of one by one. That reduces manual steps and makes troubleshooting more efficient.

Who should use BetterDNS.info?

It is aimed at developers, sysadmins, network engineers, security researchers, and anyone who needs quick DNS and WHOIS visibility.

Can I use it in the browser without installing anything?

Yes, it works in any browser and requires no install.

Does BetterDNS.info show IP geolocation?

Yes. When geolocation data is available for returned IP addresses, BetterDNS.info may show the associated city and country. This can help you understand where a server, mail host, or other resolved endpoint appears to be located. Geolocation data is not guaranteed for every IP address, so location details may appear only when a reliable match is available.

How often is geolocation data updated?

The geolocation data we use is updated weekly.

What is an SPF record?

SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is a DNS TXT record that specifies which mail servers are authorized to send email on behalf of your domain. It helps receiving mail servers detect spoofed sender addresses and is a key part of email authentication alongside DKIM and DMARC.

What does DMARC stand for?

DMARC stands for Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance. It is a DNS TXT record that builds on SPF and DKIM to tell receiving mail servers what to do when a message fails authentication — for example, quarantine it or reject it outright. It also enables reporting so domain owners can monitor how their domain is being used in email.

Why might WHOIS data be redacted?

WHOIS data may be redacted for several reasons. Under GDPR and similar privacy regulations, registrars are required to hide personal data such as the registrant's name, address, and email for domains registered by individuals in privacy-protected jurisdictions. Many domain owners also use a privacy protection or proxy service that replaces their contact details with those of the service provider. As a result, WHOIS records increasingly show limited or generic information rather than the actual registrant's details.

Is BetterDNS.info free?

Yes, BetterDNS.info is totally free to use.