DNS Records Explained: A, MX, CNAME, TXT and NS
DNS records tell the internet where your domain lives. An A record points to an IPv4 address, AAAA to IPv6, CNAME to another name, MX to mail servers, NS to the DNS servers in charge, TXT holds text such as SPF and verification codes, and SOA stores zone details. Look them all up with the free Find DNS Record tool.
The main record types
✓| Record | Points to | Example use |
|---|---|---|
| A | IPv4 address | example.com → 93.184.216.34 |
| AAAA | IPv6 address | example.com → 2606:2800:… |
| CNAME | Another hostname | www → example.com |
| MX | Mail server (with priority) | 10 mail.example.com |
| NS | Authoritative name servers | ns1.dns-provider.com |
| TXT | Texto | SPF, DKIM, Google/Bing verification |
| SOA | Zone information | Primary name server and admin email |
Look up DNS records – step by step
Step 1: Enter the domain
🌐 Open Find DNS Record and type the domain, e.g. example.com.
Step 2: Run the lookup
The tool queries A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, NS, TXT and SOA records.
Step 3: Read the table
Each row shows the record type, host, value and TTL.
Common DNS tasks
✓- Connect a domain to hosting: set the A record (or NS records) to the values your host gives you.
- Point www to the main domain: add a CNAME for www.
- Set up business email: add the provider's MX records and an SPF TXT record.
- Verify Google Search Console or Bing: add the TXT record they give you.
What TTL means
TTL (time to live) is how many seconds resolvers may cache a record. Before a planned change, lower the TTL to 300 seconds a day in advance so the switch spreads faster; raise it again afterwards.
Mistakes to avoid
- Deleting MX records when changing hosting – email stops working.
- Having two SPF records – combine them into one TXT record.
- Adding a CNAME at the root domain.
- Forgetting the trailing details your provider asks for, such as priority on MX records.
Abre Buscar registros DNS en pdfseotools.com: gratis, sin registro y funciona en cualquier dispositivo.
Preguntas frecuentes
What is DNS in simple words?
DNS is the internet's phone book. It turns a name like example.com into the IP address computers use to connect.
Which records does the Find DNS Record tool show?
A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, NS, TXT and SOA records, with the host, value and TTL for each.
How long do DNS changes take?
Usually minutes to a few hours. The TTL (time to live) tells resolvers how long to cache the old value; full worldwide updates can take up to 48 hours.
Why can I not add a CNAME on my root domain?
The DNS standard does not allow a CNAME at the apex (example.com) alongside other records. Use an A record there, or your DNS provider's ALIAS/flattening feature.
What is an SPF record?
A TXT record listing which servers may send email for your domain. It helps stop spoofing and keeps your emails out of spam.
Where do I edit DNS records?
At your DNS provider – usually your domain registrar or hosting panel (for example hPanel → DNS Zone Editor) or Cloudflare if you use it.
Resumen
A and AAAA for addresses, CNAME for aliases, MX for mail, NS for control, TXT for verification and SPF. Check any domain with Find DNS Record and explore more free domain tools.
Compartir en redes sociales: