DNS Records Overview: A Beginner’s Guide to A, CNAME, TXT, and MX Records

Modified on: Wed, 2 Jul, 2025 at 12:41 PM

DNS (Domain Name System) records control how your domain behaves online. If you’re connecting your domain to a website, email provider, or verification tool, you’ll need to use DNS records to make it work correctly.


This guide walks you through the most common types of DNS records, what each one does, and how to manage them through your Unstoppable Domains dashboard if you’ve registered a traditional DNS domain (like .com or .net).


What Are DNS Records?


DNS records are entries stored on DNS servers that define how internet services should respond when someone interacts with your domain. They’re essential for tasks like:

  • Connecting a domain to a website

  • Setting up email services

  • Verifying domain ownership


Think of DNS records as the instruction set that tells the internet how to find and use your domain.


Common Types of DNS Records


Below are the most commonly used DNS record types:


A Record (Address Record)

  • Purpose: Points your domain to a specific IP address.

  • Use Case: Connects your domain (e.g., yourdomain.com) to a web server.

  • Exampleyourdomain.com → 192.0.2.1


CNAME Record (Canonical Name)

  • Purpose: Points a subdomain to another domain name.

  • Use Case: Often used for subdomains (e.g., blog.yourdomain.com → yoursite.hostingplatform.com).

  • Note: CNAMEs cannot coexist with other records on the same subdomain.


TXT Record (Text Record)

  • Purpose: Stores plain text data for various verification and security purposes.

  • Use Case: Domain verification, SPF/DKIM email validation, service configuration.

  • Exampleyourdomain.com → "v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all"


MX Record (Mail Exchange)

  • Purpose: Directs email traffic for your domain to a mail server.

  • Use Case: Required to use third-party email providers like Gmail or Outlook.

  • Example:

    • Priority: 1

    • Server: ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM


A Record vs. CNAME: What’s the Difference?

Feature

A Record

CNAME Record

Points to

IP address (e.g. 192.0.2.1)

Another domain name (e.g. hosting.com)

Use Case

Root domains

Subdomains and third-party services

Can coexist with MX?

Yes

No


Tip: Use an A record when pointing to an IP address, and a CNAME when pointing to another domain.


Managing DNS Records with Unstoppable Domains


If you registered a DNS domain (e.g. .com, .net) through Unstoppable Domains, you can manage all DNS records directly from your dashboard.


How to Add or Edit DNS Records:

  1. Go to My Domains in your Unstoppable account

  2. Select the domain you want to manage

  3. Choose the record type (A, CNAME, TXT, MX, etc.)

  4. Enter the appropriate values from your hosting or email provider

  5. Click Save


Changes usually take effect within minutes, although full propagation can take up to 48 hours depending on the provider.


DNS Management Features Included with Unstoppable


Every DNS domain registered through Unstoppable Domains includes:

  • At-cost pricing on registration and renewals

  • Free WHOIS privacy protection

  • Support for all major DNS record types (A, CNAME, TXT, MX)

  • User-friendly dashboard for full DNS control


Still Need Help?


If you’re unsure which records to use or how to format them, most services (like Google or your hosting provider) will give you the exact DNS values to enter. You can always contact our support team if you need assistance configuring your DNS.

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