DNS record explained
A CNAME makes one hostname an alias of another hostname
Use a CNAME when a service asks you to point a name such as www or shop to another hostname. The target must be a hostname, not an IP address or a full web address. Do not add conflicting records at the same name.
A CNAME example in plain English
| Field | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Name or host | shop | The record applies to shop.yourdomain.co.uk |
| Type | CNAME | The name is an alias |
| Target or value | shops.platform.example | DNS follows this hostname to find the service |
| TTL | Default | How long resolvers may cache the answer |
Check these points before you save
Copy the target exactly
Use the hostname supplied by the service. Do not include https://, a slash or a page path.
Remove conflicts deliberately
A CNAME cannot normally share its name with an A, AAAA or another CNAME record. Confirm which existing record the provider expects you to replace.
Do not guess at the root
Many DNS systems do not allow a standard CNAME at the bare domain. Follow the provider’s root-domain instructions instead.
Know who controls DNS
Edit records at the authoritative DNS provider. Changing a record in the wrong control panel has no effect.
Add a CNAME in UKC DNS Manager
- 1Open the domain
Sign in to the Client Area, open My Domains and choose the required domain.
- 2Open DNS Manager
This manager is authoritative only when the domain uses the UKC parking nameservers.
- 3Add the record
Select CNAME, enter the host and target exactly as supplied, then review before saving.
- 4Allow for caching
Test the precise hostname after the change has had time to reach the resolver you use.
CNAME questions
Can a CNAME point to an IP address?
No. Use an A record for an IPv4 address or an AAAA record for an IPv6 address.
Can I enter a website URL as the target?
No. DNS does not redirect a browser to a page path. Use web forwarding if you need to send visitors to a full URL.
Why is my new record not working?
Check the authoritative nameservers, spelling, conflicting records and provider instructions. Cached answers may also remain for the previous TTL.
Edit the correct zone
Copy the provider’s CNAME target exactly
Check for conflicts before saving and remember that DNS changes can remain cached for a while.