How to Manage DNS Records Print

How to Manage DNS Records

DNS records control how your domain connects to websites, email services, subdomains, and other online services. Managing DNS correctly is important for keeping your website and email working properly.

This guide explains the most common DNS records and how to manage them safely.

1. Open Your DNS Management Panel

Log in to the platform where your domain's DNS is currently managed.

This may be your domain registrar, hosting control panel, or another DNS provider.

Look for an option such as:

• DNS Management
• Manage DNS
• DNS Zone
• DNS Records
• Zone Editor

2. Understand Common DNS Record Types

Before making changes, it is useful to understand the most common record types.

• A Record: Points a domain or subdomain to an IPv4 address.
• AAAA Record: Points a domain or subdomain to an IPv6 address.
• CNAME Record: Points one hostname to another hostname.
• MX Record: Controls where email for your domain is delivered.
• TXT Record: Used for verification, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and other text-based settings.

3. Add a New DNS Record

Click the option to add or create a new DNS record.

You will normally need to select the record type and enter information such as:

• Name or Host
• Record Type
• Value or Target
• TTL
• Priority, when applicable

Enter the exact information provided by your hosting, email, verification, or other service provider.

4. Manage an A Record

An A record is commonly used to point a domain to a web server using an IPv4 address.

For example:

Host: @
Type: A
Value: YOUR_SERVER_IP

Replace YOUR_SERVER_IP with the actual server IP address assigned to your service.

5. Manage a CNAME Record

A CNAME record is commonly used to point a hostname or subdomain to another hostname.

For example:

Host: www
Type: CNAME
Value: yourdomain.com

Do not point a CNAME record directly to an IP address.

6. Manage MX Records

MX records determine which mail servers receive email for your domain.

If you use ApnCloud Email Hosting or another external email provider, use the exact MX records supplied for that service.

MX records may include a priority value. Lower numbers generally indicate higher priority.

7. Manage TXT Records

TXT records are commonly used for:

• SPF
• DKIM
• DMARC
• Domain verification
• Service verification

Copy the TXT value exactly as provided. Missing characters, extra spaces, or incorrect quotation marks can cause verification or email authentication problems.

8. Edit an Existing DNS Record

To change an existing record, find it in the DNS record list and click the available edit option.

Update the required value and save the change.

Before replacing an important record, make sure you understand what service depends on it.

9. Delete a DNS Record Carefully

Only delete a DNS record when you are sure it is no longer required.

Removing the wrong record may cause:

• Your website to stop loading
• Email delivery to fail
• Subdomains to stop working
• Domain verification to fail
• Other connected services to stop working

Keep a copy of important DNS records before making major changes.

10. Understand TTL

TTL stands for Time to Live and determines how long DNS resolvers may cache a DNS record.

When you update a record, the old value may continue to appear for some users until cached information expires.

For most users, the default TTL provided by the DNS service is suitable.

11. Avoid Conflicting DNS Records

Conflicting or duplicate DNS records can cause unexpected behavior.

Before adding a new record, check whether a similar record already exists for the same hostname.

Be especially careful with:

• A and CNAME records for the same hostname
• Multiple SPF records
• Old MX records from a previous email provider
• Duplicate verification records

12. Wait for DNS Propagation

DNS changes do not always become visible immediately.

Propagation time can vary depending on TTL, DNS caching, your internet provider, and the DNS service being used.

Avoid repeatedly changing the same record while propagation is still in progress.

13. Test Your Services After DNS Changes

After making DNS changes, test the services connected to your domain.

Check that:

• Your website loads correctly
• HTTPS works
• Email sending and receiving work
• Subdomains resolve correctly
• Required verification records are detected

Important DNS Tips

• Keep a backup of important DNS records
• Use exact values provided by your service provider
• Avoid deleting records you do not understand
• Check for duplicate or conflicting records
• Allow time for DNS propagation
• Review website and email services after major changes

Need Help?

If your website, email, or another service stops working after a DNS change, please open a Support Ticket from your ApnCloud Client Area.

Include your domain name, the DNS record you changed, and a clear description of the issue. Never include your account password in a support ticket.