What are DNS Records?
DNS records are the "signposts" of the internet. They tell computers where to send requests for your domain. There are different types of DNS records, each serving a specific purpose. For example, they determine which server your website points to, where your emails are delivered, or which subdomains exist (e.g., shop.yourdomain.com).
The Most Important DNS Records Explained
A Record (Address): Links your domain to an IP address. This DNS record tells your domain which server it should point to.
MX Record (Mail Exchange): Responsible for delivering your emails. It points to the server that receives your emails.
CNAME: Links one domain to another domain. Often used to manage subdomains, e.g., blog.domain.com pointing to www.domain.com.
TXT Record: Used to store additional information. Often used for security purposes, such as verifying email servers.
Why Are DNS Records Important?
Without the correct DNS records, the internet doesn’t know how to handle requests for your domain. This means your website could be unreachable, or your emails might not be delivered. With the correct DNS records, everything runs smoothly: your website is accessible, and your emails reach the right inbox.
How Do I Add or Change DNS Records?
Normally, you can change DNS records in the control panel of your hosting provider or registrar. Look for a section like “DNS Settings” or “DNS Management.” Here you can add new records or modify existing ones.
If you need help managing your DNS records, our website offers a detailed guide on how to change a DNS record.
What is TTL?
TTL (Time to Live) is a time value that determines how long DNS information can be cached before it must be retrieved again. When you make changes to your DNS records, a lower TTL can help those changes take effect faster. Once the change has propagated, you can increase the TTL again to improve performance.
Troubleshooting DNS Issues
Website not reachable? Check the A records of your domain to make sure it points to the correct IP address.
Emails not arriving? Verify the MX records to ensure they point to the correct mail server and are properly prioritized.
Slow DNS propagation? Sometimes it takes longer than expected for changes to take effect worldwide. Check your TTL settings and be patient, as propagation takes time.
DNS Tools That Can Help
There are many online tools that can help you check your DNS records. For example, dns-checker.org allows you to see how far your DNS changes have propagated globally. Other tools like mxtoolbox.com also provide useful functions for analyzing your DNS records.