Managing DNS Records: A, CNAME, MX and TXT Records Explained

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: Managing DNS Records: A, CNAME, MX and TXT Records Explained. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Your Domain Name System (DNS) records act as a directory for your domain, directing web traffic to your server and email to your mail provider. Knowing how to manage A, CNAME, MX, and TXT records lets you keep your website and email online without relying on support for every small change. This guide covers the most common DNS record types and how to update them safely, while minimising the risk of downtime or email delivery failures.

Understanding DNS Record Types

• A record — maps your domain or subdomain to an IPv4 address (where your website lives).
• CNAME record — maps an alias (like www or shop) to another domain name.
• MX record — directs email for your domain to the correct mail server.
• TXT record — used for verification and email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC).

Making DNS Changes

1. Log in to your domain registrar's control panel (where you bought your domain).
2. Find the DNS Management, Zone Editor, or Manage DNS section.
3. Locate the record you want to add or edit.
4. Enter the record details:
   • Type: A, CNAME, MX, or TXT.
   • Name/Host: usually @ for the root domain, or a subdomain like www.
   • Value/Points to: the IP address, domain, or text string.
   • TTL: leave at the default, or lower it (e.g. 300 seconds) if you expect frequent changes.
5. Save the record and allow time for DNS propagation.

Common Records

A Record

An A record maps your domain to an IPv4 address. Use it when pointing your website to a specific web server. Enter your domain (@ for root, www for the subdomain) and the destination IP address.

CNAME Record

A CNAME maps an alias to a true domain name. Commonly used for subdomains like blog or shop. Warning: do not create a CNAME for the root domain (@), as this can interfere with MX records and break email delivery.

MX Record

MX records direct email to your mail server. Leave the Name as @ unless your email provider specifies otherwise, and enter the mail server address (e.g. Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace). Set the priority as instructed by your provider.

TXT Record

TXT records handle verification and authentication such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. Enter the host (usually @) and paste the full text string provided by your service provider.

After You Make Changes

DNS changes are not instant. They typically take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate across Australian and global servers. Use an online DNS lookup tool to verify your records are visible, and clear your local DNS cache or view your site in an incognito window to check from your device.

Important: Deleting an MX record will stop incoming email immediately. Only remove MX records if you are intentionally moving your email service and have a replacement routing plan ready.

Troubleshooting

Website Not Loading After Changes

Give DNS time to propagate. Clear your browser cache, use a DNS lookup tool to confirm your domain resolves to the new IP, and if the old IP persists after 48 hours, contact your domain registrar.

Email Delivery Issues

If email stops after a DNS change, confirm your MX records were not accidentally modified, and check that your SPF and DKIM records still authorise your email sender.

If you're still having trouble, you can Open a Ticket for assistance from our Brisbane-based support team.

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