DNS guide

A Record Setup Guide

An A record maps a hostname to an IPv4 address. It's how your domain resolves to your server. Most hosting setups, mail server PTR records, and custom DKIM hostnames need A records.

Common A record setup

Root domain to server

@ A 203.0.113.10

WWW subdomain

www A 203.0.113.10

Mail hostname (for PTR/FCrDNS)

mail A 203.0.113.10

Important for email

Your mail hostname (e.g. mail.yourdomain.com) must have an A record for PTR forward confirmation to work. Set it to DNS-only in Cloudflare — proxied mail hostnames break email.

Check A record propagation

Open Propagation checker →

Related: PTR record · Reverse DNS (rDNS)

Step by step

Step 1 Get your server's IP address from your hosting panel.

Step 2 Log into your DNS provider.

Step 3 Add A record — name: @ (or subdomain), value: IP.

Step 4 If on Cloudflare, decide proxy (orange cloud) vs DNS-only (grey cloud) — mail hostnames must be DNS-only.

Step 5 Verify with Propagation checker — select A type.

FAQ

What is an A record?

A DNS record that maps a hostname to an IPv4 address. Used to point your domain or subdomain to a server.

What is the difference between A and AAAA records?

A records are for IPv4 addresses. AAAA records are for IPv6. Most setups need both.

Should I proxy my A record through Cloudflare?

For websites — yes (orange cloud). For mail hostnames — no (grey cloud). Proxied mail hostnames break PTR forward confirmation.

How long do A record changes take?

Up to 48 hours. Use DomainPreflight Propagation to check when all resolvers have the new IP.

My A record is correct but my site is still showing the old IP — why?

Browser or ISP DNS cache. Force-refresh with Ctrl+Shift+R or check from a different network. DomainPreflight Propagation shows the live DNS state.

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