What are DNS record types?

If you have read the earlier chapter on what DNS is, you know that the Domain Name System translates domain names into addresses that computers can use. DNS records are the individual entries inside that system. Each record type stores a different kind of instruction. Some point your domain to a server. Others route your email. Others verify that you own the domain. This chapter gives you the overview. The chapters that follow go deeper into the most important record types one by one.

A record

The A record is the most fundamental DNS record type. It maps a domain name to an IPv4 address, which is the standard four-number format that looks like 192.168.1.1. When someone types your domain into a browser, the DNS system checks the A record to find out which server holds your website files. Every domain that loads a website needs at least one A record.

Read the full chapter on what an A record is for setup steps, common mistakes, and how it compares to other record types.

AAAA record

The AAAA record does the same job as the A record, but it maps a domain to an IPv6 address instead of an IPv4 address. IPv6 addresses are longer and were created because the internet is running out of IPv4 addresses. If your hosting provider supports IPv6, adding an AAAA record alongside your A record means visitors on both network types can reach your site. If your provider only gives you an IPv4 address, you do not need an AAAA record.

Read the full chapter on what an AAAA record is for how IPv6 works with your domain and when you need this record.

CNAME record

A CNAME record points one domain name to another domain name. Instead of mapping directly to an IP address like the A record, it creates an alias. The most common use is pointing "www.yourdomain.com" to "yourdomain.com" so both versions reach the same website. CNAME records are also used to connect subdomains to external services. One important rule is that a CNAME record cannot be placed on the root domain and cannot share a hostname with other record types.

Read the full chapter on what a CNAME record is for how it works step by step, when to use one, and what limitations to watch for.

MX record

MX stands for Mail Exchange. An MX record tells the internet which server handles email for your domain. When someone sends a message to an address at your domain, the sending server looks up the MX records to figure out where to deliver it. MX records include a priority value, so you can set up backup email servers that take over when the primary one is unavailable.

Read the full chapter on what an MX record is for setup steps, priority values, and how email routing works with DNS.

TXT record

A TXT record holds plain text information about your domain. It does not route traffic or email on its own. Instead, it stores data that other services can look up. TXT records are used for domain verification when you connect a new service, and for email security through SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. SPF lists which servers can send email on your behalf. DKIM proves your messages were not changed in transit. DMARC ties SPF and DKIM together and tells receiving servers what to do when checks fail.

Read the full chapter on what a TXT record is for how domain verification works, how to set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, and common mistakes to avoid.

NS record

NS stands for Name Server. The NS record tells the internet which nameservers are responsible for your domain's DNS settings. All of your other DNS records live on whichever nameservers the NS records point to. When you register a domain, the registrar sets NS records that point to its own nameservers. If you want a different provider to manage your DNS, you update the NS records.

Read the full chapter on what an NS record is for how nameserver delegation works, when to change NS records, and what happens during the switch.

SRV record

An SRV record defines the location of a specific service on your domain. It includes the service name, the protocol, the port number, and the target server. SRV records are less common for standard websites, but they are used by voice and messaging systems that need to find a specific server and port to connect to. If you are running a standard website and email, you are unlikely to need one.

Read the full chapter on what an SRV record is for how service records work and when you might need one.

SOA record

SOA stands for Start of Authority. Every DNS zone has one SOA record, and it contains administrative information about the domain. It identifies the primary nameserver for the zone and includes timing values that control how often secondary nameservers refresh their data. You rarely need to edit the SOA record yourself. Your DNS provider manages it.

Read the full chapter on what an SOA record is for what each field means and when the SOA record matters.

CAA record

A CAA record specifies which certificate authorities are allowed to issue an SSL certificate for your domain. Without a CAA record, any certificate authority can issue a certificate. With one in place, only the authorities you list are permitted to do so. This adds a layer of security against unauthorized certificates being issued for your domain.

Read the full chapter on what a CAA record is for how to set one up and why it matters for SSL security.

PTR record

A PTR record works in the opposite direction of an A record. Instead of mapping a domain name to an IP address, it maps an IP address back to a domain name. This is called a reverse DNS lookup. PTR records are mainly used by email servers. When your server sends an email, the receiving server may check whether the sending IP address has a valid PTR record that matches the domain. PTR records are set by whoever controls the IP address, which is usually the hosting provider.

Read the full chapter on what a PTR record is for how reverse DNS works and why it matters for email delivery.

Which DNS records does your domain need?

Not every domain uses every record type. The records you need depend on what your domain connects to.

Every domain needs these.

• At least one A record (or AAAA record) to point the domain to a web server
• NS records to define which nameservers manage the domain
• An SOA record (created automatically by your DNS provider)

Add these if you use email on your domain.

• MX records to route email to your email provider
• TXT records for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to protect your email from spoofing

Add these when the situation calls for it.

• CNAME records for subdomains or "www" aliases
• TXT records for domain verification with third-party services
• CAA records if you want to restrict which authorities can issue SSL certificates
• SRV records if you run services that need a specific port and server

How WEMASY manages DNS records

When you connect a custom domain to WEMASY, the platform gives you the exact DNS record values to add at your domain registrar. You get the A record values for pointing your domain to a website, and step-by-step instructions for entering them. SSL is activated automatically once the domain is connected.

WEMASY does not provide email hosting, so your MX records stay pointed at your email provider. This keeps your website and email completely separate, which means connecting your domain to WEMASY will not affect your email delivery.

See what is included in each plan at WEMASY pricing.

Frequently asked questions

The next chapter covers what an A record is in full detail, including how to set one up, how to check if yours is correct, and what to do when an A record is not working the way it should.