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DNS record types guide

A plain-language reference for A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, NS, SOA, and CAA records.

The short answer

DNS record types assign different jobs to names in a domain, such as routing web traffic, email, verification, and delegation.

Use the free DNS LookupUse the free DNS Propagation CheckerUse the free Domain Checker

Step by step

  1. Use DNS Lookup for the domain.
  2. Identify the record type relevant to the service.
  3. Compare its value with the provider's documented target.
  4. Allow for TTL and resolver caching after changes.

Technical details

  • A and AAAA map names to IPv4 and IPv6 addresses. CNAME aliases one name to another. MX routes email. TXT stores text such as verification or policy data. NS delegates nameservers. SOA describes the zone's authority. CAA limits certificate authorities.

Common mistakes

  • Using a CNAME at a zone apex where the DNS provider does not support it.
  • Putting web records in the wrong DNS zone.
  • Publishing sensitive secrets in TXT records.

Limitations

  • DNS records alone do not validate application behavior, mail delivery, or certificate configuration.

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