DNS records are instructions stored in DNS servers that tell the internet how to handle requests for your domain. Each record type serves a specific purpose, from pointing to IP addresses to routing email.
A Record (Address Record)
Maps a domain to an IPv4 address
Purpose
The most common DNS record type. Points a domain or subdomain to an IPv4 address (like 192.0.2.1).
Example
Use Cases
- ✓Pointing domain to web server
- ✓Connecting subdomain to IP
- ✓Load balancing (multiple A records)
- ✓CDN endpoint configuration
AAAA Record (IPv6 Address)
Maps a domain to an IPv6 address
Purpose
Similar to A record, but for IPv6 addresses (like 2001:db8::1). Essential for IPv6 support.
Example
Use Cases
- ✓IPv6-only websites
- ✓Dual-stack hosting (IPv4 + IPv6)
- ✓Future-proofing infrastructure
CNAME Record (Canonical Name)
Creates an alias pointing to another domain
Purpose
Points a domain or subdomain to another domain name instead of an IP address. Acts as a "nickname" or alias.
Example
Use Cases
- ✓Pointing www to root domain
- ✓CDN configuration (pointing to CDN domain)
- ✓Subdomain aliases
- ⚠Cannot use CNAME on root domain (use A record instead)
MX Record (Mail Exchange)
Specifies mail servers for email delivery
Purpose
Tells email servers where to deliver emails for your domain. Includes a priority value (lower = higher priority).
Example
Use Cases
- ✓Receiving email for domain
- ✓Multiple mail servers (priority-based)
- ✓Email hosting (Gmail, Outlook, etc.)
- ✓Email forwarding configuration
TXT Record (Text Record)
Stores text-based information for various purposes
Purpose
Stores arbitrary text data. Commonly used for verification, SPF records, DKIM, and DMARC email security.
Example
Common Uses
- ✓SPF (email authentication)
- ✓DKIM keys
- ✓DMARC policies
- ✓Domain verification (Google, Microsoft, etc.)
- ✓Human-readable notes
NS Record (Name Server)
Specifies authoritative nameservers for a domain
Purpose
Points to the nameservers that are authoritative for your domain. These servers hold the actual DNS records.
Example
Use Cases
- ✓Domain delegation to DNS provider
- ✓Using custom nameservers
- ✓Subdomain DNS management
- ⚠Changes propagate slowly (24-48 hours)
Other Common DNS Records
SOA (Start of Authority)
Contains administrative information about the domain zone.
Administrative metadataPTR (Pointer Record)
Reverse DNS lookup - maps IP address to domain name.
IP → DomainSRV (Service Record)
Specifies location of services like SIP, XMPP, etc.
Service discoveryCAA (Certificate Authority)
Specifies which CAs can issue SSL certificates for the domain.
SSL securityQuick Reference Table
| Record Type | Purpose | Points To |
|---|---|---|
| A | IPv4 address | 192.0.2.1 |
| AAAA | IPv6 address | 2001:db8::1 |
| CNAME | Domain alias | another-domain.com |
| MX | Mail server | mail.example.com (priority) |
| TXT | Text data | "text content" |
| NS | Nameserver | ns1.example.com |
Check Your DNS Records
Use our free DNS lookup tool to check all record types across 39+ global locations
Check DNS Records →