{"id":1764,"date":"2026-02-14T22:50:26","date_gmt":"2026-02-14T22:50:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/webquickster.com\/blog\/?p=1764"},"modified":"2026-02-14T23:09:58","modified_gmt":"2026-02-14T23:09:58","slug":"dns-records-explained-support-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/webquickster.com\/blog\/dns-records-explained-support-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"DNS Records Explained \u2013 Support Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n What is DNS in simple terms?<\/summary>\n

DNS connects your domain name (like yourdomain.com) to the servers and services behind it, such as your website and email.<\/p>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n Why don\u2019t DNS changes work instantly?<\/summary>\n

DNS changes are applied immediately on name servers, but due to caching (TTL), updates can take time to propagate worldwide.<\/p>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n What does an A record do?<\/summary>\n

An A record points a hostname to an IPv4 address. It\u2019s commonly used to connect your domain or subdomain to a server IP.<\/p>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n Is CNAME the same as forwarding?<\/summary>\n

No. CNAME is DNS level aliasing. Forwarding is website redirection.<\/p>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n Why did my email stop working after DNS changes?<\/summary>\n

Incorrect or missing MX or TXT (SPF) records can prevent email from working properly.<\/p>\n <\/details>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

DNS Records Explained (Support Guide for WebQuickster Users)<\/h1>\n

What each DNS record type does \u2014 and when to use it<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

DNS is what connects your domain name (like yourdomain.com) to the services behind it.<\/p>\n\n

When someone visits your website or sends you an email, DNS decides:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • which server your website points to<\/li>\n
  • which mail server receives emails<\/li>\n
  • which services are allowed to use your domain<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

    You can manage all DNS records for your domain from your WebQuickster dashboard.<\/p>\n\n

    Important to know:<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • DNS changes are applied immediately on the name servers<\/li>\n
    • But due to caching (TTL), changes can take time to update worldwide<\/li>\n
    • It\u2019s normal if changes don\u2019t work everywhere instantly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
      \n

      WebQuickster Insight:<\/strong> WebQuickster\u2019s dashboard shows all DNS record types in one place (User domains), so you can manage websites, email, and service connections without switching tools. Only change advanced DNS records if a service provides exact instructions.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

      The Most Common DNS Records (Used by Most Customers)<\/h2>\n\n

      A record<\/h3>\n

      Points a hostname to an IPv4 address. Use this to connect your domain or subdomain to a server IP.<\/p>\n

      Example:<\/em> Point yourdomain.com to your website server.<\/p>\n\n

      AAAA record<\/h3>\n

      Same as A record, but for IPv6 addresses.<\/p>\n\n

      CNAME record<\/h3>\n

      Creates an alias from one hostname to another hostname. The destination must be a hostname (not an IP address).<\/p>\n

      Important:<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • CNAME cannot be used on the root domain<\/li>\n
      • CNAME is not the same as URL forwarding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

        MX record<\/h3>\n

        Tells the internet which mail server should receive emails for your domain.<\/p>\n

          \n
        • The destination must be a hostname<\/li>\n
        • MX records use priority (lowest number = used first)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

          TXT record (incl. SPF)<\/h3>\n

          Stores text information in DNS. Often used for:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • SPF (email sending permissions)<\/li>\n
          • domain verification<\/li>\n
          • security checks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

            NS record<\/h3>\n

            Tells which name servers handle your domain. Normally only changed if you move DNS to another provider.<\/p>\n\n

            Advanced DNS Records (Use Only If a Service Tells You To)<\/h2>\n

            These records are usually provided by technical services, security setups, or special providers. Only add them if you are given exact values.<\/p>\n\n

              \n
            • CAA<\/strong> \u2013 Controls which Certificate Authorities can issue SSL certificates for your domain.<\/li>\n
            • SRV<\/strong> \u2013 Used by some applications (VoIP, chat systems, services discovery).<\/li>\n
            • PTR<\/strong> \u2013 Reverse DNS (IP \u2192 hostname). Typically managed by hosting providers.<\/li>\n
            • DNSKEY \/ DS \/ TLSA \/ KEY \/ IPSECKEY<\/strong> \u2013 Security related records (DNSSEC, TLS validation, secure services).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

              Common Questions<\/h2>\n\n

              How long do DNS changes take to work?<\/strong>
              \nUsually minutes to hours. In rare cases up to 24\u201348 hours due to DNS caching worldwide.<\/p>\n\n

              Can I break my website by editing DNS?<\/strong>
              \nYes. Incorrect records can cause downtime. Only change DNS if you know what the service requires.<\/p>\n\n

              Is CNAME the same as forwarding?<\/strong>
              \nNo. CNAME is DNS level aliasing. Forwarding is website redirection.<\/p>\n\n

              Why does my email stop working after DNS changes?<\/strong>
              \nMX or TXT (SPF) records may be incorrect or missing.<\/p>\n\n

              Final Tip<\/h2>\n

              If a service asks you to \u201cadd a DNS record\u201d:<\/p>\n

                \n
              • copy the values exactly<\/li>\n
              • choose the correct record type<\/li>\n
              • wait for DNS propagation<\/li>\n
              • test after changes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                If you\u2019re unsure, contact support before changing DNS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n