🌐 Beginner’s Guide to DNS Records: What They Are & How to Use Them ​

This tutorial explains what DNS records are, the different types you’ll encounter, and how to manage them for your domain. It’s perfect for website owners, developers, and IT admins who want to take control of their domain’s behavior.

🔍 What Is DNS?

DNS (Domain Name System) is the internet’s phonebook. When you type a domain like example.com, DNS translates it to an IP address like 192.0.2.1, allowing your browser to load the correct website.

🧩 Types of DNS Records (With Examples)

Record Type

A

AAAA

CNAME

MX

TXT

NS

SRV

PTR

Purpose

Points a domain to an IPv4 address

 Points to an IPv6 address

 Aliases one domain to another

Mail exchange – controls email flow

Adds text data (SPF, verification)

Name servers – where DNS is hosted

Defines services (used in VoIP, etc)

Reverse DNS – maps IP to domain

Example

example.com → 192.0.2.1

 example.com → 2001:db8::1

www.example.com → example.com

example.com → ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all

ns1.dnsprovider.com

_sip._tcp.example.com

192.0.2.1 → example.com

🛠️ Where to Manage DNS Records

You manage DNS records via your DNS hosting provider, often your:

  • Domain Registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap)
  • Web Host (e.g., Bluehost, Hostinger)
  • DNS-only provider (e.g., Cloudflare, AWS Route 53)
🎯 Look for a “DNS Management,” “DNS Zone Editor,” or similar section

🔧 How to Add/Edit DNS Records (Step-by-Step)

Example: Adding an A Record

  • Log into your DNS provider.
  • Go to DNS Management / Zone Editor.
  • Click Add Record.
  • Choose A Record.
  • Enter:
  • Host: @ (means root domain)
  • Value: 192.0.2.1
  • TTL: leave default or set to 3600 (1 hour)
  • Save the record.
📸 Add screenshots of the dashboard for different providers if possible.

✉️ How to Point Email to Google (Using MX Records)

Here’s how to use DNS only for email through Google Workspace while your website stays hosted elsewhere.

  • Delete existing MX records.
  • Add Google’s MX records (as shown earlier).
  • Add optional SPF, DKIM, and DMARC:
  • SPF (TXT Record):

Name: @
Value: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all

  • Wait for propagation and verify in admin.google.com.

🕒 DNS Propagation Time

Changes usually take effect within 5 mins to 1 hour but can take up to 48 hours. Use tools like:

  • https://dnschecker.org
  • https://mxtoolbox.com
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