How to Change DNS A, MX, CNAME and TXT Records

DNS management

Change only the records supplied by the service you are connecting

DNS controls where your website and email are delivered. Record the existing values first and avoid replacing nameservers when a small record change is all that is required.

AWebsite addressPoints a name to an IPv4 address
MXMail deliverySelects receiving mail servers
CNAMEName aliasPoints one hostname to another

Choose the correct DNS manager

UKC parked domain

Open My Domains, choose the domain and use DNS Manager in the domain control centre.

Shared hosting domain

Open Plesk, select Websites and Domains, then DNS Settings for the domain.

Common record types

TypePurposeTypical value
AWebsite or service IPv4 addressAn address such as 192.0.2.10
AAAAIPv6 addressAn IPv6 address
CNAMEAlias for a hostnameA destination hostname, not a URL
MXIncoming email serverPriority plus a mail hostname
TXTVerification and email policySPF, DKIM, DMARC or service text

Safe change process

1

Copy current records

Take a screenshot or export before editing.

2

Change the smallest scope

Add or edit only the exact host and type supplied.

3

Allow propagation

Caches can retain the previous result until their TTL expires.

Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace

Use the current records shown in the provider admin centre. Do not copy values from an unrelated guide or another domain, because verification and DKIM values can be domain-specific.

Next step

Manage your domain connection settings

Open the correct DNS manager and keep a copy of the previous records.

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How to Change DNS A, MX, CNAME and TXT Records written by UKC average rating 1.4/5 - 11 user ratings