Domains

Understanding DNS Record Types

Understanding DNS Record Types

Learn what the common DNS record types do. DNS records are the settings that tell the internet where to find the website, email and other services for your domain. Knowing what each type is for makes it easier to change the right one.

Common Record Types

  • A points a name to the IP address of a server. The A record for your domain decides where your website loads from
  • AAAA does the same job as an A record for the newer IPv6 type of address
  • CNAME points one name at another name, not at an IP address. It is often used for www so that it follows your main domain
  • MX names the mail server that receives email for your domain. If the MX records are wrong, email sent to you will not arrive
  • TXT holds text that other services read. SPF, DKIM and DMARC email records are all TXT records, as are the codes used to prove you own a domain
  • NS lists the nameservers for your domain. These decide which provider's DNS records are used

Other Terms You Will See

  • Nameservers are the servers that hold your DNS records. Your records can only be changed at the provider your nameservers belong to
  • TTL stands for time to live. It is how long other networks keep a copy of a record before checking for a new one
  • Host or Name is the part before your domain. A record named shop applies to shop.yourdomain.com.au

Important: Changing a record affects only the service it belongs to. Changing an A record moves your website and leaves your email alone, while changing your nameservers moves every record at once.

Note: After a change, different networks pick up the new details at different moments. See Checking Whether Your DNS Changes Have Taken Effect

Changing Your Records

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