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DNS records explained: A, CNAME, MX and TXT
DNS records are instructions stored for your domain.
| Record | What it does | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A | Points a name to an IPv4 address | @ → 203.0.113.10 |
| AAAA | Same, for IPv6 | |
| CNAME | Makes one name an alias of another | www → example.com |
| MX | Says where email for the domain goes | mail.example.com priority 10 |
| TXT | Free text, used for SPF, DKIM and verification | v=spf1 ... |
| NS | Lists the nameservers | ns1.host.com |
Tips
- A CNAME cannot sit on the root
@in most DNS panels. - Wrong MX records stop email. Change them carefully.
- TTL is how long others remember the record. Lower it before a big change.
Related: point your domain to hosting, SPF, DKIM and DMARC.
More in Domains and SSL
- What is a domain name and how does it work?
- How to point your domain to your hosting
- How to transfer a domain to us
- What is an EPP code (auth code)?
- What is an SSL certificate and why do you need one?
Still stuck? Open a support ticket.