Free CNAME Lookup Tool
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What is a CNAME record?
A CNAME (Canonical Name) is a type of Domain Name System (DNS) record that maps one domain or subdomain to another. In practice, it serves as an alias, pointing to another hostname (the canonical target) rather than directly to an IP address.
Think of a CNAME record as call forwarding. When someone dials one number, the call can be automatically routed to another number. A CNAME works similarly: when a visitor enters the alias hostname, DNS follows its canonical target to identify the server’s IP address.
For example, you can create the following record:
Host:blog.example.com
Record type:CNAME
Target:hosting-provider.com
TTL:3600
In this case, when someone visits the alias blog.example.com, the DNS system follows the canonical hostname hosting-provider.com and then looks up its A or AAAA record to find the final IP address.
CNAME records are commonly used to:
- Connect subdomains to external platforms
- Set up custom tracking domains for email campaigns
- Connect blogs, help centers, or landing pages
- Verify domain ownership
The good news is that you don’t need to update the CNAME record whenever the service changes its IP address, because the alias continues to point to the same target hostname. To see whether your record is configured correctly, run a quick CNAME check and review the results.
Instant CNAME check
Enter any domain or subdomain and find its currently published CNAME record in seconds with our free CNAME record lookup tool. See whether the record exists and review the target to identify any conflicting or outdated settings.
Clear CNAME record details
Review the alias hostname, record type, canonical target, and TTL in one place with our CNAME lookup tool. Compare the results with the configuration provided by your hosting or software provider to ensure all values match and avoid connection issues.
Easier DNS troubleshooting
Interpret your CNAME lookup results and identify DNS configuration issues that need your attention. Follow the tailored recommendations to resolve the detected problems and keep your domain connected to the right service.
How to set up a CNAME record
Here is how to create and verify a CNAME record in 5 easy steps.
Run a CNAME check
Use a CNAME lookup tool to see whether the record exists for your domain. If no record is found, follow the steps below to add one.
Choose the alias hostname
Decide which domain or subdomain you want to connect, and enter the host value your DNS provider requests.
Copy the canonical target
Get the destination hostname from your hosting, email, or software provider. Do not include an IP address or full URL.
Add the CNAME record
Open your domain’s DNS settings and add the alias and target. Then, choose the recommended TTL and save the record.
Verify the CNAME record
Save your changes and wait for DNS caches to update. Run another CNAME lookup to confirm that the result points to the correct target.
FAQ
What is a CNAME record?
A CNAME record is a DNS record that makes one domain or subdomain an alias of another hostname. Instead of mapping to an IP address, CNAME records point to the target hostname, which then resolves to the final server. CNAME records can also point to other CNAME records; however, this isn't recommended.
What is a CNAME record used for?
CNAME records are often used to connect subdomains to various third-party services and to support domain verification. For example, you can use them to link a blog, landing page, or branded tracking domain to another platform without having to manage its IP address yourself. A CNAME can also point the www version of a domain to its main domain, like www.domain.com to domain.com.
Why do I need a CNAME check?
A CNAME record check shows whether the record exists and where it leads. It can help you identify a typo, an outdated target, or a missing record that may stop your website or connected service from working properly.
What is the difference between a CNAME record and an A record?
An A record points a hostname directly to an IPv4 address, while a CNAME record links one hostname to another hostname. An AAAA record serves a similar purpose to an A record, but it points to an IPv6 address.
Use an A record when you want to connect a domain directly to a known IP address. If the destination is managed under a different hostname and its IP address may change, use a CNAME record.
What does TTL mean in a CNAME record?
TTL stands for time to live. It tells DNS resolvers how long they may cache a CNAME response before requesting an updated version from the authoritative DNS server. The most common TTL for a CNAME record is 3,600, which means the result may be cached for 3,600 seconds (about 1 hour).
A shorter TTL helps DNS changes appear faster but increases the number of DNS CNAME lookups. A longer TTL reduces lookups, but old information may stay cached longer. For most configurations, you can keep the default TTL recommended by your hosting or email service provider.
Is a CNAME record the same as a redirect?
No. A CNAME works at the DNS level and connects one hostname to another. A redirect works at the HTTP level after the browser reaches a web server, sending the visitor to a different URL.
With a CNAME record, the original address usually remains visible in the browser, whereas with a redirect, the URL changes.
How long does a CNAME record take to update?
CNAME updates often appear within a few minutes. However, the exact time depends on the record’s TTL and DNS caching. In some cases, old values remain visible for up to 24–72 hours.
Why is my CNAME record not showing up?
The most common reasons why your record doesn’t appear in CNAME check results include a typo in the hostname, an incorrect target, or a DNS update that hasn’t propagated yet. It may also be because the record has been added to the wrong DNS zone or saved under a different nameserver.
Check the exact host and target values, confirm that the record was saved correctly and doesn’t conflict with any other record. Then, run another CNAME lookup after the TTL has expired.
Can CNAME records improve email deliverability?
Yes, but indirectly. While CNAME records do not authenticate regular emails the way SPF, DKIM, and DMARC do, they are often used to connect custom tracking subdomains. This replaces shared tracking links with branded ones, contributing to better sender trust and email deliverability.