Recursive resolver

A recursive resolver is a service that finds DNS answers for clients and caches those answers for reuse.

Format
Domains & DNS
Updated
Updated
Glossary Domains & DNS
Recursive resolver Aliases: recursive DNS resolver, DNS recursor, caching resolver.

Definition

A recursive resolver is a service that finds DNS answers for clients and caches those answers for reuse.

How it works

When you look up a name, the resolver does the legwork: if the answer is not already cached, it follows referrals from the root servers through the TLD servers to the domain's authoritative nameservers, then hands you the result and remembers it until the TTL expires. Your ISP runs resolvers, as do public services like 1.1.1.1 and 8.8.8.8.

Example: A home router typically points devices at a recursive resolver for all their DNS lookups.

Often confused: The resolver finds and caches answers; the authoritative nameserver is the source it gets them from.

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Last reviewed 2026-07-19.