What Is a DNS Record? A Complete Guide to DNS Record Types

DNS records refer to structured data entries stored on authoritative DNS servers that collectively define how a domain name is resolved, routed, and managed across the internet. These records specify critical information such as the IP address associated with a domain, the mail servers responsible for email delivery, and the security policies used to authenticate domain related services.

DNS records operate as the foundational control layer of the Domain Name System (DNS), which is responsible for translating human readable domain names into machine readable IP addresses. While DNS as a system enables name resolution, DNS records provide the actual instructions and data required for that resolution to occur. In addition to address mapping, DNS records govern service discovery, email routing, domain ownership verification, and multiple security mechanisms.

Moreover, DNS record configurations directly influence how internet traffic is handled and distributed. Website accessibility, application availability, and email deliverability all depend on correctly configured DNS records. Common operational scenarios involving DNS records include web hosting resolution through address records, email handling through mail exchange records, and authentication enforcement through text based security records. These configurations work together to ensure reliable communication between clients and servers.

While, misconfigured or outdated DNS records can disrupt normal domain operations, leading to website downtime, delayed DNS propagation, email delivery failures, or security vulnerabilities such as spoofing and unauthorized certificate issuance. Although DNS is designed with caching and redundancy mechanisms to maintain stability, persistent configuration errors can result in widespread service impact.

Understanding DNS records, their types, and their specific functions is therefore essential for managing domain infrastructure effectively. This guide explains what DNS records are, how they work within the DNS resolution process, and how different DNS record types support website performance, email reliability, and domain security.

What Is A DNS Record?

A DNS record is a set of instructions stored on authoritative DNS servers as a set of values. These records are stored inside a DNS zone file that tells the Internet how to handle a domain.

First, a DNS record shows which IP address connects to a domain name. For example, it tells browsers where to go when someone opens a website. Next, it explains how servers should respond to different requests for that domain.

DNS records are structured text entries stored in a DNS zone file. Each record follows a standard format called a Resource Record. This format includes the information such as:

• Record name
• Record type
• TTL
• Record value

These rules help the DNS server read the record correctly. When a client makes a query, the DNS server uses this information to return the correct response.

Every DNS record also includes a TTL value. TTL means time to live. It tells the DNS server how often it should refresh the record. A lower TTL updates changes faster.

How DNS Records Work?

When you enter a website address into your browser, DNS records are used behind the scenes to locate the correct server.

DNS Resolution Process

• You enter a domain name in your browser.
• Your device contacts a recursive DNS resolver (usually provided by your ISP or DNS provider).
• The resolver queries:
  • • Root name servers
    • TLD (Top-Level Domain) name servers
    • Authoritative name servers
• The authoritative server responds with the requested DNS record.
• The resolver caches the response and returns the result to your browser.
• The browser connects to the server using the returned IP address.

This entire process usually takes milliseconds.

For an in-depth understanding of how a resolver finds the right records, read this blog post on how a DNS server works.

Why DNS Records Are Important?

DNS records are crucial for keeping websites and mobile apps accessible online. Besides keeping websites online, they also help web emails reach the right inbox. In fact, you can use DNS records to enhance the security of a website by making necessary additions and changes. For example, some records help stop email spoofing.

Common Types of DNS Records

DNS records are of multiple types. Most common types of DNS records include:

• A record
• AAAA record
• CName record
• MX record
• TXT record
• NS record
• SOA record

These records serve as guides on the internet, each with a different purpose. For example, some records help websites load, while others handle sending emails and verifying domain ownership and authenticity. 

To better understand each record, let's examine the details of the common DNS records listed above. 

1: A Record

A record is configured in DNS to map a domain name to an IPv4 address. IPv4 is a type of IP address, a numeric address like “192.0.2.1”. The primary purpose of A records in DNS is to direct traffic to the website’s server. Devices use this address to locate the exact server hosting a website.

Here’s an example of a DNS A record:

A records are used to make a website available online. When a user types a domain name:

• The browser looks for an A record
• Retrieves the IP address values from the A record
• Opens the website by visiting the IP address

Note: An explanation of how all this lookup works is provided in the blog post how DNS Servers Work. 

In simple terms, if there is no A record in DNS, or it is misconfigured, the website will not load. But a website can load via AAAA records if it is configured to use an IPv6 address. 

2. AAAA Record

AAAA records are configured in DNS to map a domain name to an IPv6 address. The primary difference between an AAAA record and an A record is the type of IP address they point to.

IPv6 is a newer IP protocol that supports many more devices, and in DNS setups, it is used to connect domains to an IPv6 server where the site is hosted. Check out the difference between IPv4 and IPv6 addresses. 

Example of AAAA record in DNS:

3. CNAME Record

A CNAME record creates an alias. It maps one domain name to another domain name rather than to an IP address. Primarily, this record type is used to make www open the main domain. For example, it can point www.example.com to example.com.

Many web administrators use a CNAME record for pointing subdomains to the main domain. For example, by configuring these records, shop.example.com can be pointed to example.com. 

Example of a CNAME record in DNS:

4. MX Record

MX records, also called Mail Exchange records, are configured in DNS to specify which mail server receives and handles incoming emails for a domain. These records help the internet verify the authenticity of webmail, so you receive it correctly at the right place. 

Example of MX records:

People use MX records to ensure emails are delivered correctly. When someone sends an email to your domain, the sending server checks the MX record. It then delivers the email to the listed mail server. 

Each MX record has a priority number.

• Lower number = higher priority
• Higher number = lower priority

So, the mail server with the smallest number gets emails first. The priority is set so that the email continues to work even if one server goes down. 

That is why domains often have multiple MX records. If the main mail server is not available, the sending server automatically tries the next one. This way, emails do not get lost.

For example, if we elaborate on the example record mentioned above, email delivery will work like:

Someone sends an email to [email protected].

The sending mail server checks MX records.

It sees two servers.

It tries mail1.example.com first because priority 10 is lower.

If mail1 works, the email gets delivered.

If mail1 fails, it tries mail2.example.com.

Note: Sometimes multiple MX records share the same priority. It is typically used to distribute load across servers handling large email volumes. In such cases, sending servers choose the server configured as the MX record. 

5. TXT Record

A TXT record stores plain text inside DNS. It does not point to a server or service and is used for domain security and verification purposes. These records help email systems verify whether a domain is authorized to send email. 

Also, TXT records help configure some other email-related rules, such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. All these play a role in email handling and security. Additionally, webmaster tools use TXT records to verify a domain’s ownership. 

Example of a TXT record:

6. NS Record

NS records, also called name server records, list the name servers responsible for a domain. These records tell the internet where a domain’s DNS records live. Changing DNS providers usually requires updating NS records.

Example of NS record:

7. SOA Records

SOA means Start of Authority. This type of DNS record store admin level information for a domain. For example, it stores control and timing details for a DNS zone. Primarily, these records are used to manage DNS updates. They instruct secondary servers when to refresh data and how to recover from errors. 

Example of SOA record:

In the above value, the primary server is the main DNS source. Whereas the refresh time controls the update interval, and the retry time controls the retry delay. 

Other DNS Record Types

Apart from common DNS records, there are a few other record types. These records serve specific purposes. Most website owners do not use them. However, they still play an important role in DNS and security.

1. PTR

A PTR record works in reverse. It connects an IP address back to a domain name. Email servers use it to verify whether an email is from a legitimate sender. Many web administrators perform reverse IP lookup and retrieve PTR records. This helps them in preventing phishing and spam emails.

2. SRV

An SRV record tells apps where a service is running. It shows which server and port to use. Chat apps and call services often use this record to work properly.

3. CAA

A CAA (Certification Authority Authorization) record controls who can give an SSL certificate to a domain. It helps keep websites secure. It also prevents the creation of fake certificates.

4. DS

A DS (Delegation Signer) record is the type that helps protect DNS information. It is part of DNS security. It checks that DNS data stays correct and safe.

5. DNSKEY

A DNSKEY record stores public keys for DNSSEC. These keys help validate DNS responses. When used correctly, this record ensures that users receive accurate DNS data. DNSKEY also helps protect against DNS spoofing attacks.

How to Check DNS Records of a Domain?

You can check DNS records of any domain in a simple way. You do not need technical skills. You only need the right tool. On whatsmydns.me, you can check DNS records easily by using our DNS record checker.

Here are the steps to check DNS records:

First, open the DNS record checker on our website. Next, enter the domain name you want to check. Then, select the DNS record type you want to view. You can also leave it set to All to see all records. After that, click the DNS Lookup button.

The tool will then show the DNS records for the domain. It displays the values clearly so you can understand them easily.

We also offer tools made for specific DNS record checks. These tools give more focused results.

• TXT Lookup: This tool checks TXT records. It helps verify email security and domain ownership.
• MX Lookup: This one is for checking MX records. It helps confirm where emails are delivered.
• SPF Lookup: You can use it to check SPF records. It helps confirm which servers can send emails for a domain.
• NS Lookup: This helps to check name servers. It helps identify which servers control the domain’s DNS.

How Changes in DNS Records Impact a Website?

DNS record changes directly affect how a website works. Even a small change can make a big difference. First, DNS changes can affect website access. For example, if you change an A or AAAA record to the wrong IP address, the website will stop loading. Visitors may see an error, a blank page, or be redirected to another website.

Next, DNS changes can affect website speed. A very low or very high TTL can change how fast updates appear. A low TTL updates changes faster. A high TTL takes longer to update but reduces server load.

DNS changes also need time to propagate. Updates do not apply instantly everywhere. Some users may see the new settings while others still see the old ones. The DNS propagation status of a domain can be checked using our DNS propagation checker.

Moreover, DNS changes also affect email delivery. If you edit MX or TXT records incorrectly, emails may stop arriving. Messages can bounce or land in spam folders.

Bottom Line

In this blog post, we explained what a DNS record is and its role. We also discussed the common DNS record types and their purposes. We hope reading this helps you understand how small DNS changes can affect website access, performance, and email delivery.