Introduction to DNS
DNS (Domain Name System) is like the internet's phone book. It translates human-friendly domain names (like yourwebsite.com) into IP addresses (like 192.168.1.1) that computers use to identify each other. Understanding DNS settings is essential for properly connecting your domain name to your web hosting, setting up email, and more.
What You'll Need
- A registered domain name (see our Domain Name Basics guide)
- Access to your domain registrar's account (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.)
- Web hosting account details (see our Web Hosting Guide)
- DNS information from your hosting provider (typically provided in a welcome email)
Key DNS Concepts
How DNS Works
When someone types your domain name in their browser, here's what happens:
- The browser asks a DNS server, "What's the IP address for this domain?"
- The DNS server looks up the answer in its database
- The DNS server returns the IP address
- The browser connects to that IP address to load your website
How DNS resolves domain names to IP addresses
DNS Record Types
Different types of DNS records serve different purposes. Here are the most common ones:
| Record Type | Purpose | Example Use |
|---|---|---|
| A Record | Points a domain to an IPv4 address | Connecting yourwebsite.com to your hosting server |
| CNAME Record | Points a subdomain to another domain | Making blog.yourwebsite.com point to yourwebsite.com/blog |
| MX Record | Directs email to the correct mail server | Setting up email@yourwebsite.com |
| TXT Record | Stores text information | Verifying domain ownership for Google Workspace |
| NS Record | Specifies the authoritative nameservers | Telling the internet which DNS servers to query |
| AAAA Record | Points a domain to an IPv6 address | Connecting to newer IPv6 hosting servers |
DNS Propagation
When you change DNS settings, the updates don't take effect immediately. DNS information is cached at various points across the internet, and it takes time for these caches to update. This process, called DNS propagation, typically takes 24-48 hours to complete worldwide, although some visitors may see your changes sooner.
Common DNS Configuration Tasks
Pointing Your Domain to Your Web Hosting (A Record)
This is the most basic DNS setup you'll need to make your website visible.
- Log in to your domain registrar's account (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.)
- Find the DNS management section (often called "DNS Settings," "DNS Management," or "Advanced DNS")
- Look for the A record section (you may need to add a new record)
- For the host/name field: Use @ or leave blank (for your main domain) or enter a subdomain like "www"
- For the value/points to field: Enter your hosting provider's IP address
- Set the TTL (Time To Live): 3600 seconds (1 hour) is a good default
- Save your changes and wait for propagation
Example A Record Setup
- Type: A
- Host: @
- Points to: 192.168.1.1 (your host's IP address)
- TTL: 3600
Setting Up WWW Subdomain (CNAME Record)
This allows visitors to access your site using www.yourdomain.com.
- In the DNS management section, find the CNAME record area
- For the host/name field: Enter "www"
- For the value/points to field: Enter your domain (e.g., yourdomain.com) or @ symbol
- Set the TTL to 3600 seconds
- Save your changes
Example CNAME Record Setup
- Type: CNAME
- Host: www
- Points to: yourdomain.com
- TTL: 3600
Setting Up Email with Gmail/Google Workspace (MX Records)
To use professional email with your domain through Google Workspace:
- In the DNS management section, find the MX record area
- Add the following MX records with the corresponding priorities:
Google Workspace MX Records
- Type: MX
- Host: @ or leave blank
- Priority: 1
- Points to: aspmx.l.google.com
- TTL: 3600
- Type: MX
- Host: @ or leave blank
- Priority: 5
- Points to: alt1.aspmx.l.google.com
- TTL: 3600
- Type: MX
- Host: @ or leave blank
- Priority: 5
- Points to: alt2.aspmx.l.google.com
- TTL: 3600
- Type: MX
- Host: @ or leave blank
- Priority: 10
- Points to: alt3.aspmx.l.google.com
- TTL: 3600
- Type: MX
- Host: @ or leave blank
- Priority: 10
- Points to: alt4.aspmx.l.google.com
- TTL: 3600
MX Record Priority Explained
The priority number determines the order in which mail servers try to deliver email. Lower numbers have higher priority. If the server with priority 1 is unavailable, the next server is tried.
Verifying Domain Ownership (TXT Records)
Many services require you to verify domain ownership by adding a TXT record.
- In the DNS management section, find the TXT record area
- For the host/name field: Follow the service's instructions (often @ or a specific subdomain)
- For the value/content field: Enter the verification code provided by the service
- Set the TTL to 3600 seconds
- Save your changes
Example TXT Record for Google Verification
- Type: TXT
- Host: @
- Value: google-site-verification=abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz123456
- TTL: 3600
Using Your Web Host's Nameservers
Sometimes, it's easier to let your web hosting company manage your DNS entirely. To do this:
- Obtain your hosting provider's nameserver addresses (usually provided in your welcome email)
- Log in to your domain registrar's account
- Find the nameservers or DNS settings section
- Replace the current nameservers with your hosting provider's nameservers
- Save your changes and wait for propagation
Example Nameserver Setup for Bluehost
- Nameserver 1: ns1.bluehost.com
- Nameserver 2: ns2.bluehost.com
When to Use Host's Nameservers vs. Custom DNS
Use your host's nameservers if you want simplicity and plan to host everything (website, email, etc.) with one provider. Use custom DNS settings at your registrar if you're using different services for different aspects of your online presence (e.g., website with one host, email with Google).
Troubleshooting Common DNS Issues
My website isn't showing up after DNS changes
This is usually due to DNS propagation time. Try these steps:
- Wait 24-48 hours for full propagation
- Clear your browser cache or try a different browser
- Use a DNS propagation checker tool like whatsmydns.net
- Verify your DNS records are correctly set up
- Check if your hosting account is active and properly configured
Email isn't working with my domain
- Verify your MX records are correctly set up
- Check that you've completed all required steps for your email provider
- Ensure there are no conflicting MX records
- Wait for DNS propagation to complete
- Test sending an email to and from your domain-based email address
www version of my site doesn't work
- Verify your CNAME record for "www" is set up correctly
- Check for any conflicting records (like an A record for "www")
- Make sure your web server is configured to handle both www and non-www versions
- Test using different browsers and devices
Subdomain not working
- Verify the A or CNAME record for the subdomain is set up correctly
- Ensure your web hosting is configured to serve the subdomain
- Check that the file structure on your server matches the subdomain setup
- Wait for DNS propagation to complete
Testing DNS Configuration
After making DNS changes, you can use these tools to check your setup:
Online DNS Lookup Tools
- MXToolbox - Comprehensive DNS checking tools
- WhatsMy DNS - Check DNS propagation worldwide
- DNS Checker - Verify DNS records from multiple locations
Command Line Tools
For tech-savvy users, these command line tools can provide detailed DNS information:
# Check A records nslookup yourdomain.com # Check MX records nslookup -type=mx yourdomain.com # Check all DNS records dig yourdomain.com ANY