nslookup Cheatsheet
Basic Syntax
Core nslookup command forms.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
nslookup example.com |
Look up a domain using the default resolver |
nslookup example.com 8.8.8.8 |
Query a specific DNS server |
nslookup -type=mx example.com |
Query a specific record type |
nslookup 192.0.2.1 |
Run a reverse DNS lookup |
nslookup |
Start interactive mode |
Common Lookups
Quick checks for hostnames and addresses.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
nslookup example.com |
Look up A and AAAA records using the default resolver |
nslookup www.example.com |
Check a hostname or subdomain |
nslookup localhost |
Verify local name resolution |
nslookup 127.0.0.1 |
Reverse lookup for the local loopback address |
nslookup 192.0.2.1 |
Reverse lookup for a public IP address |
Record Types
Use -type to query specific DNS records.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
nslookup -type=a example.com |
Query IPv4 address records |
nslookup -type=aaaa example.com |
Query IPv6 address records |
nslookup -type=mx example.com |
Query mail exchanger records |
nslookup -type=ns example.com |
Query authoritative name servers |
nslookup -type=txt example.com |
Query TXT records |
nslookup -type=soa example.com |
Query the SOA record |
nslookup -type=cname www.example.com |
Check whether a hostname is an alias |
nslookup -type=any example.com |
Run an ANY query |
Specific DNS Servers
Compare answers from different resolvers.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
nslookup example.com 8.8.8.8 |
Query Google Public DNS |
nslookup example.com 1.1.1.1 |
Query Cloudflare DNS |
nslookup example.com 9.9.9.9 |
Query Quad9 |
nslookup -type=mx example.com 8.8.8.8 |
Query MX records from a specific resolver |
nslookup -type=txt example.com 1.1.1.1 |
Compare TXT answers between resolvers |
Interactive Mode
Run multiple queries in one session.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
nslookup |
Open interactive mode |
set type=mx |
Switch the active query type to MX |
set type=txt |
Switch the active query type to TXT |
server 8.8.8.8 |
Change the active DNS server |
example.com |
Query a domain after entering interactive mode |
exit |
Leave the interactive session |
Troubleshooting
Quick checks for common nslookup errors.
| Issue | Check |
|---|---|
NXDOMAIN |
Verify the domain name and make sure it exists |
SERVFAIL |
Try another resolver such as 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1 |
Connection timed out; no servers could be reached |
Check network access and verify /etc/resolv.conf |
Non-authoritative answer |
Normal cached response from a resolver |
No answer |
The queried record type is not set for that name |
Related Guides
Use these guides for fuller DNS troubleshooting workflows.
| Guide | Description |
|---|---|
| nslookup Command in Linux | Full nslookup guide with practical examples |
| How to Use the dig Command to Query DNS in Linux | Detailed dig guide for deeper DNS debugging |
| ping Cheatsheet | Quick connectivity checks before DNS troubleshooting |
| IP command cheatsheet | Inspect interfaces, addresses, and routes |
| curl Cheatsheet | Test HTTP reachability after DNS resolution succeeds |
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