DNS entries

What are DNS records?

DNS records are the “signposts” on the Internet. They tell computers where to send queries for your domain. There are different types of DNS records, each with different tasks. For example, they determine which server your website points to, where your emails end up or which subdomains (e.g. store.yourdomain.com) exist.  

The most important DNS entries briefly explained

• A-Record (address): Links your domain to an IP address. This is the DNS record that tells your domain which server it points to.  

• MX record (Mail Exchange): Responsible for the delivery of your emails. It points to the server that receives your emails.  

• CNAME: Links a domain to another domain. Often used to manage subdomains, e.g. blog.domain.com on www.domain.com.  

• TXT record: Used to store additional information. Often used for security functions such as confirming email servers.  

Why are DNS records important?

Without the right DNS records, the internet doesn't know how to handle requests to your domain. This means that your website would not be accessible or your emails could not be delivered. With the correct DNS records, everything runs smoothly: your website is accessible and your emails end up in the right mailbox.  

How do I add or change DNS entries?

You can usually change DNS entries in the administration area of your hosting provider or registrar. Look for a section there such as DNS settings or DNS management. Here you can add new entries or change existing ones. 
If you need help managing your DNS records, you can find detailed instructions on how to change a DNS record on our website.  

What is the TTL

The TTL (Time to Live) is a time specification that determines how long DNS information may be cached before it must be retrieved again. If you make changes to your DNS records, a lower TTL can ensure that these changes are applied more quickly. Once the change has been propagated, you can increase the TTL again to improve performance.  

Troubleshooting DNS problems

• Website not accessible? Check the A records of your domain to make sure it is pointing to the correct IP address.  
• Emails not arriving? Check the MX records to see if they point to the correct mail server and if they are prioritized correctly.  
• Slow DNS propagation? Sometimes it takes longer than expected for changes to be active worldwide. Check the TTL settings and be patient as the propagation process takes time.

DNS tools that can help you

There are a variety of online tools that can help you check your DNS records. With dns-checker.org, for example, you can see how widespread your DNS changes are around the world. Other tools such as mxtoolbox.com also offer useful functions for analyzing your DNS records.