What Are A, CNAME, MX, and TXT Records? Print

DNS records can be confusing, but they are simple once you understand their purpose. Here are the most common types you will encounter in cPanel:

• A Record (Address):

  • Purpose: Points a domain name to an IP address (e.g., 192.0.2.1).

  • Example: example.com points to the server IP where the website is hosted.

  • Use Case: Essential for making your website load.

• CNAME (Canonical Name):

  • Purpose: Points a subdomain to another domain name (instead of an IP).

  • Example: www.example.com points to example.com.

  • Use Case: If your main IP changes, you only update the A record; all CNAMEs follow automatically.

• MX Record (Mail Exchange):

  • Purpose: Directs email to the correct mail server.

  • Example: Directs @example.com email to Google Workspace or BurjHost Mail server.

  • Use Case: Essential for receiving email. It includes a "Priority" number (lower = higher priority).

• TXT Record (Text):

  • Purpose: Holds text information for outside services to verify something.

  • Example: Used to verify domain ownership for Google Search Console, or to set up SPF/DKIM to prevent email spam.

  • Use Case: Security and verification.