DNS records tell the internet where to send traffic for your domain. You can edit them from cPanel or from your client area.
Where to edit them.
- In cPanel (recommended if the domain uses our nameservers): log in to cPanel and open Zone Editor under the Domains section.
- In the client area: Domains > My Domains > (domain) > Manage DNS. Use this when the domain is registered with us but pointed elsewhere.
The record types you'll actually use.
- A Record: points a name to an IPv4 address. This is what makes your site load. Example: 192.0.2.10
- AAAA Record: the same, but for an IPv6 address.
- CNAME Record: points a name at another name. Commonly used for "www" or for third-party services.
- MX Record: says which mail server receives email for the domain. Has a priority number; lower is tried first.
- TXT Record: free-form text. Used for SPF, DKIM and DMARC, and for verifying ownership with Google, Facebook and others.
- SRV Record: points to a service on a specific port. Used by VoIP and some Microsoft services.
Adding a record in Zone Editor.
- Open Zone Editor in cPanel and click Manage next to your domain.
- Click Add Record and choose the type.
- Name the hostname. Enter @ or the bare domain for the root, or something like "shop" for shop.yourdomain.com.
- TTL leave at 14400 unless you're about to make a change, in which case lower it to 300 a day beforehand.
- Record / Value the destination.
- Click Save Record.
Common tasks.
- Point a subdomain at another server: add an A record with the subdomain name and that server's IP.
- Verify a domain with Google or Facebook: add the TXT record they give you, with the name @.
- Move email to Google Workspace: delete the existing MX records, add Google's, then update your SPF record.
Two things to be careful about. Don't create a CNAME on the root domain (@) , it conflicts with the domain's other records and will break your email. And after any change, allow a few hours before deciding it didn't work.
