How To View DNS History For Free: 4 Useful Tools
Are you looking to trace a Domain Name System (DNS) history change without breaking the bank?
The DNS is better known as the phonebook of the internet. But more than that, the DNS helps convert IP address numbers into readable domain names. In fact, it’s what allows people to surf the net and visit websites of their liking with ease. That said, sometimes there are instances when you need to know the history of a DNS record.
In this post, we’re going to take a quick look at how to view your DNS records for free and which tools you’ll need handy to do so.
Tools for viewing DNS records for free
1. SecurityTrails
SecurityTrails is one of the top DNS lookup tools. It claims to be the world’s largest repository of historical DNS data and has been tracking DNS records for 11 years.
To use this tool, all you have to do is enter the URL of the website in question and view information such as:
- Current DNS records
- DNS history
- URL subdomains
You’ll have to create a free account to see some of the DNS data, but in all the interface is simple to use. With the free plan, you get 50 queries per month, DNS record data, and IP address data.
2. WhoISrequest
WhoISrequest is another great way to view DNS history for free. It will help you determine whether a domain name has been registered before and is good for all nameserver changes since 2002.
When you enter a URL that you want to check, the tool will immediately tell you whether the domain name has any recorded name changes. No account is required, though you are restricted to 5 lookups within a certain timeframe, so this tool might not be good if you’re investigating a lot of domains.
3. Complete DNS
Complete DNS has the ability to detect over 2 billion nameserver changes and is updated on a daily basis so you can trust the data you receive is always current.
When you enter a URL into the tool, you’ll see a visually appealing timeline appear of all the changes made to that specific domain over time. It will also tell you whether the domain has even been parked before. With a free account, you’ll get 100 queries per month, nameserver history reports, and reverse nameserver reports. If you don’t want to create an account, you’re limited to 3 lookups within a certain period of time.
4. ViewDNS.info
ViewDNS.info is a simple to use online tool that lets you view DNS history for free. Though it has a bit of an outdated interface, the information is there and it’s current.
Adding to that, this website has a ton of other helpful tools such as:
- IP History
- Is My Site Down
- IP Location Finder
- Domain/IP Whois
- And much more
Using ViewDNS.info is completely free and does not require an account.
Wrapping up
And there you have it! Some of the best and easiest to use online tools designed to help you view DNS history for free. Whether you want to research a new domain you’re considering, check for suspicious activity, or are just curious to know your own domain’s nameserver history, any one of these above-mentioned tools will get you the information you need in an instant.
