Nameserver lookup
Find the nameservers for any domain, who hosts its DNS, and whether the registry agrees. Free, no signup.
Questions
- What is a nameserver?
- A nameserver holds a domain’s DNS records and answers questions about them, such as which server hosts the website and where email should go. Every domain points to two or more nameservers, usually run by the registrar, a DNS provider like Cloudflare, or the web host.
- Why compare against the registry?
- The nameservers that count are the ones listed at the registry, for example Verisign for .com. The NS records inside the zone should match them. When they don’t, a DNS move is often half finished, and some resolvers may get different answers from others.
- How long does a nameserver change take?
- The registry usually updates within minutes. Resolvers that cached the old nameservers can keep using them until the cache expires, which for many top-level domains is up to 48 hours.
- Why would nameservers change without anyone asking?
- Sometimes a registrar migration or a hosting change, made by someone who didn’t tell the agency. Sometimes a compromised registrar account. Either way, whoever controls the nameservers controls the website and email, so it is worth knowing the same day.
- Can I get told when a client’s nameservers change?
- Yes. ZoneOwl checks the nameservers on every domain you add once a day and sends a critical alert when they change, along with SSL, renewal, DNS and lookalike checks. Every plan starts with a 14-day free trial.