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DNS record types explained
DNS records are the instructions for a domain: where its website lives, where its email goes, and who may issue its certificates. Here is what each type does.
| Type | Purpose | Example value |
|---|---|---|
| A | Maps a name to an IPv4 address | 203.0.113.7 |
| AAAA | Maps a name to an IPv6 address | 2001:db8::7 |
| CNAME | Alias of one name to another | www → example.com. |
| MX | Mail servers, with priority | 10 mail.example.com. |
| TXT | Free-form text: SPF, DKIM, DMARC, verification | "v=spf1 include:_spf.example.com ~all" |
| NS | Authoritative name servers for the domain | ns1.example.net. |
| SOA | Zone authority, serial number and timers | ns1.example.net. admin.example.com. 2026... |
| CAA | Which certificate authorities may issue certificates | 0 issue "letsencrypt.org" |
A and AAAA records
These point your domain at a server. If your site is not loading, check that the A record (and AAAA, if present) point at the right host. A wrong AAAA record is a common cause of "works for some people". Learn the differences in IPv4 vs IPv6.
CNAME records
A CNAME says "this name is really that name." It cannot coexist with other records on the same name, and normally cannot sit on the bare domain (example.com), only on subdomains such as www.
MX records
Mail is delivered to the server with the lowest priority number first. Missing or wrong MX records are the usual reason a domain cannot receive email.
TXT records
TXT records carry email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and ownership proofs for services like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365. Poorly set values here are a top cause of email landing in spam.
NS and SOA records
NS records tell the world which servers answer for your domain; changing them at your registrar moves your DNS to a new provider. The SOA record holds the zone serial number and refresh timers.
CAA records
CAA locks down which certificate authorities can issue TLS certificates for your domain, a cheap extra layer of protection.
Look yours up
Try the free DNS checker to see any of these records live, and read what DNS propagation is when a change does not seem to apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an A record and a CNAME?
An A record points a name straight to an IP address. A CNAME points a name at another name, which then resolves to an address.
What DNS records do I need for email?
MX records for delivery, plus TXT records for SPF, DKIM and DMARC so receivers trust your mail.
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