An A record, short for Address Record, is a fundamental type of DNS (Domain Name System) record that links a domain or subdomain to a specific IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) address. It's one of the most common DNS records and is used to map domain names to the corresponding IP addresses, allowing web browsers and other services to locate the correct server on the internet.
Here's how you can change an A record, particularly if you're a UK-Cheapest client:
What Is an A Record Used For? An A record serves two primary purposes:
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Mapping Domains to IP Addresses: It associates a domain or subdomain (e.g., www.example.com) with a specific IPv4 address (e.g., 192.168.1.1). This is essential for directing web traffic to the correct web server.
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Creating Subdomains: A records are also used to create subdomains that point to different IP addresses within the same domain (e.g., blog.example.com could have a separate A record with a distinct IP address).
How to Change an A Record:
To change an A record for your domain, follow these steps using UK-Cheapest's DNS Manager or a similar control panel provided by your domain registrar or DNS hosting service:
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Log In to Your Account: Access your UK-Cheapest account or the control panel of your DNS hosting service.
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Navigate to DNS Settings: Look for the section where you can manage DNS records or edit DNS settings.
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Locate the A Record: Identify the A record you want to change. It might be listed as the domain name (e.g., example.com) or a specific subdomain (e.g., www).
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Edit the A Record: Select the A record you wish to change and edit the associated IPv4 address. You'll typically find an option to modify the record.
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Save Changes: After updating the A record with the new IP address, remember to save your changes.
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Propagation Time: Keep in mind that DNS changes, including A record updates, may take some time to propagate globally. It can range from a few minutes to several hours or more, depending on various factors, such as TTL (Time To Live) settings and the DNS provider.
Changing an A record is crucial when you're migrating your website to a new hosting provider or redirecting traffic to a different server. It ensures that visitors can reach your website using its domain name. If you're unsure about making these changes, UK-Cheapest's DNS Manager offers an intuitive interface to help you update your A records with ease.
