DNS reference

Understand common DNS record types

DNS records connect a domain to websites, email and verification services. Change only the record and hostname requested by the provider, and preserve unrelated records.

Website recordsA, AAAA and CNAME direct hostnames.

Email recordsMX, TXT and CNAME commonly work together.

TTL controls cachingChanges take time to reach every resolver.

Core records

What each record does

  • A: maps a hostname to an IPv4 address. AAAA: maps it to IPv6.
  • CNAME: aliases one hostname to another hostname; it is generally not used at the zone apex.
  • MX: names inbound mail servers; the lowest preference number is tried first.
  • TXT: carries verification and email-policy text such as SPF and DMARC.
  • NS: delegates DNS authority. SOA: describes the zone and serial.
  • PTR: reverse DNS for an IP address, normally controlled by the IP provider.
  • SRV: advertises a service, protocol, port and target.
  • CAA: limits which certificate authorities may issue certificates.

Safe changes

Match host, value and record type exactly

@ usually means the root domain; www is a separate hostname. A trailing dot may indicate a complete hostname. Do not delete existing MX, SPF, DKIM or verification records when adding an unrelated website record.

DNS validation varies by provider.

Use the exact target and priority supplied. Duplicate or conflicting records can prevent service activation.

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