Common DNS record types

DNS records tell the internet where to send things for your domain, like website visitors and email. Here’s what the common ones do, in plain English.

• A: Points your domain to your server’s address (called an IP address).
• AAAA: Does the same as an A record, but for the newer, longer kind of IP address (IPv6).
• CNAME: Makes one name follow another. For example, www.yourbusiness.com can follow yourbusiness.com, so both lead to the same place.
• MX: Tells the internet where to deliver email for your domain.
• TXT: Holds a short note in plain text. Other services read it to check that you own the domain, or to help keep your email out of spam folders.
• SPF: Lists which servers are allowed to send email from your domain. These days it’s usually added as a TXT record.
• SRV: Tells other systems which server to use for certain services, like internet phone calls or chat.
• NS: Says which nameservers are in charge of your domain. See How to update your nameservers.
• PTR: The reverse of an A record. It links an IP address back to a domain name. Mostly used by mail servers.

Ready to add one? See How to add DNS records.