This guide explains how to add or edit DNS records for your domain.
DNS records control how different services for your domain behave. They can direct your website to the correct server, tell email where to be delivered, and verify domain ownership for third-party services. If you ever need to connect your domain to a website platform, email service, or external tool, you may be asked to add or update a DNS record.
Because DNS records affect live services, it is important to make changes carefully. A small mistake in a record name, value, or type can stop a website or email service from working as expected.
In this article, we will cover
- What DNS records are used for
- Where to find your DNS management area
- How to add or edit a record
- What to expect after saving changes
What are DNS records?
DNS records are settings linked to your domain name. They tell the internet how different parts of the domain should behave. For example, one record may point your website to a server, while another may help route email correctly.
Common record types include A records, CNAME records, MX records, and TXT records. Each type serves a different purpose, so it is important to choose the correct one for the service you are configuring.
[Screenshot Placeholder – DNS zone editor showing common record types]
Find where your DNS is managed
Before making any changes, confirm where your DNS is currently managed. This may be with your domain registrar, your hosting provider, or another DNS service.
If your domain uses external nameservers, your DNS records are usually managed with that external provider rather than inside cPanel. If your domain points to Falcomms nameservers, you may be able to manage the DNS zone from your hosting account.
Making changes in the wrong place will not affect the live domain, so this is an important first check.
Add or edit the record
Open the DNS management area and locate the existing records for your domain. If you are editing an existing record, review it carefully before changing anything. If you are adding a new one, choose the correct record type first.
Enter the required details exactly as provided by the service you are connecting. This may include the record name, value, destination, priority, or TTL. Copying the values exactly is important, especially for MX and TXT records, where even a small mistake can cause problems.
[Screenshot Placeholder – adding or editing a DNS record]
If you are replacing an old record, make sure you remove or update only the one that needs changing. Editing the wrong record could affect other services linked to your domain.
Save the changes and allow time
Once the record has been added or updated, save the change in the DNS management panel. The update may not take effect immediately, as DNS changes often need time to propagate across the internet.
During this period, some users or services may still see the older DNS information. This is normal and does not always mean the change has failed.
If you are following instructions from a third-party service, it can also take a little time for their system to recognise the new record after it has been saved.
Need help?
If you are unsure which DNS record type to use or want help checking whether a record has been entered correctly, our support team will be happy to assist.
