DNS records explained: A, AAAA, CNAME, MX and TXT

DNS is the phone book of the internet: it translates your domain name into the right servers. You manage this with DNS records. Here are the ones you will use most.

A and AAAA: point to a server

An A record links your domain to an IPv4 address (like 45.91.123.4), an AAAA record to an IPv6 address. This is how visitors reach your website.

CNAME: an alias

A CNAME points one name to another name instead of an IP. Typically used for subdomains, for example www pointing to your root domain, so you only maintain the address in one place.

MX: where your e-mail goes

MX records tell the world which mail servers handle e-mail for your domain. Without correct MX records, mail to your domain will not arrive.

TXT: text and verification

TXT records hold plain text. They are used for things like domain verification (Google, Microsoft) and e-mail security records such as SPF, DKIM and DMARC, which help stop others from spoofing your address.

NS and TTL, in short

NS records set which nameservers are authoritative for your domain. The TTL (time to live) says how long a record may be cached; lower it before a planned change so updates take effect faster.

Frequently asked questions

I changed a record but see nothing yet. DNS changes need to propagate; allow up to the TTL (often a few hours).

Where do I manage these? In your control panel, under your domain's DNS settings.

A record or CNAME for www? A CNAME to your root domain is usually easiest, so you only update the IP in one place.