Understanding DNS Record Types: A Guide to Choosing the Right One

Not sure which DNS record to use for your domain setup? This guide breaks down common DNS record types like A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, and TXT — and when to use them for your website, email, or services.

1. A Record (Address Record)

Use Case: Maps a domain to an IPv4 address.

Example: example.com → 192.0.2.1

When to Use: If your server has an IPv4 address (most common setup for web hosting).

2. AAAA Record

Use Case: Maps a domain to an IPv6 address.

Example: example.com → 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334

When to Use: When your server supports IPv6. Helps with future-proofing and mobile traffic.

3. CNAME Record (Canonical Name)

Use Case: Alias one domain to another.

Example: www.example.com → example.com

When to Use: To point subdomains to your main domain or third-party services like GitHub Pages or Netlify.

4. MX Record (Mail Exchange)

Use Case: Directs email to your mail server.

Example: example.com → mail.example.com (priority: 10)

When to Use: To receive emails on your domain using services like Google Workspace, Zoho Mail, etc.

5. TXT Record

Use Case: Holds arbitrary text for domain verification and policies.

Example: SPF, DKIM, DMARC records for email security.

When to Use: Required by Google, Microsoft, etc. for verifying domain ownership and securing your email.

6. NS Record (Name Server)

Use Case: Specifies authoritative name servers for your domain.

When to Use: When pointing your domain to a different DNS provider (e.g., from GoDaddy to Cloudflare).

7. SRV Record (Service Record)

Use Case: Defines location of services like VoIP or messaging.

When to Use: For advanced configurations, like Microsoft Office 365 services or SIP.

8. CAA Record (Certification Authority Authorization)

Use Case: Specifies which CAs are allowed to issue certificates for your domain.

When to Use: For enhanced security. Prevents unauthorized SSL certificate issuance.

Conclusion

Each DNS record serves a specific purpose. Choosing the correct type ensures that your website runs smoothly, your emails are delivered reliably, and your services are secure.

Pro Tip: Always double-check TTL (Time To Live) values and propagation times before making DNS changes!