What DNS records do (in one sentence)
DNS records tell the internet where your domain should go — your website server, your email provider, or services that need verification.
| Record | Common use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A | Point a name to an IPv4 address | @ → 203.0.113.10 |
| CNAME | Alias one name to another hostname | www → example.hosting.com |
| TXT | Verification + email policies (SPF, etc.) | @ → "v=spf1 …" |
| MX | Route email to your mail provider | @ → mail.provider.com (priority 10) |
The 4 most common DNS records
A record (website)
An A record points a hostname to an IPv4 address. Most websites use:
- Host:
@(root domain) - Value: your server IP (example:
203.0.113.10) - TTL: leave default unless your provider recommends otherwise
CNAME record (alias / www)
A CNAME makes one hostname an alias of another hostname. A common setup is:
- www → points to your platform’s hostname (example:
example.hosting.com)
@) unless your DNS provider explicitly supports it (some do via ALIAS/ANAME).
TXT record (verification + SPF)
A TXT record stores text used for domain verification and email policies. Typical cases: Google/Stripe verification, SPF, and other provider checks.
MX record (email routing)
MX records tell the internet where to deliver email for your domain. Your email provider will give you one or more MX records, each with a priority (lower number = higher priority).
Propagation & safety checklist
- Make changes in small steps (don’t change everything at once if the site/email is critical).
- Keep TTL on default unless you know why you’re changing it.
- Expect caching: updates can take time to show everywhere.
- If you’re moving providers, copy records first, then switch nameservers.
Troubleshooting
My site works on root domain but not on www (or vice versa).
Email is not receiving after I changed DNS.
I see multiple SPF TXT records.
include: entries into a single SPF TXT value.
Need help with DNS?
We can help you verify records and avoid downtime.