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.
Example: yourdomain.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.
Example: yourdomain.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:
Go to My Domains in your Unstoppable account
Select the domain you want to manage
Choose the record type (A, CNAME, TXT, MX, etc.)
Enter the appropriate values from your hosting or email provider
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.