Use the narrowest diagnostic first
Each free tool answers one concrete question. Use it to confirm publication, spot obvious configuration errors, or gather evidence before running a full message test.
- Use MX lookup when inbound routing or null MX publication is unclear.
- Use SPF checker before changing sender authorization records.
- Use DMARC checker before moving policy toward quarantine or reject.
- Use MTA-STS checker when transport-policy publication matters.
- Use Header analyzer when you need a private, redacted look at message headers.