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DNS management with Dotsync

Overview​

Managing your DNS (Domain Name System) is how you tell the world where to find your business services. Whether you are launching a new website, setting up professional email, or verifying ownership of a service, the DNS Dashboard is where you make those connections.

1. Supported Record Types​

DotSync supports all industry-standard records. Here is a quick cheat sheet for what each one does:

Record TypeWhat it's for...
A / AAAAConnects your domain to a specific web server (IPv4 or IPv6).
CNAMECreates a "nickname" for another domain (e.g., shop points to myshopify.com).
MXDirects your incoming email to a provider like Clearbox.
TXTUsed for security signatures (SPF/DKIM) and proving domain ownership.
SRVConnects specific services like VoIP or messaging apps.
NSIdentifies which nameservers are "in charge" of your domain.
PTRUsed for "Reverse DNS" (mostly for advanced server identification).

2. How to Add a DNS Record​

Adding a record in the DotSync cloud dashboard is designed to be straightforward.

  1. Navigate to Dotsync → Manage DNS.
  2. Click the Add Record button.
  3. Fill in the four core fields:
  • Name: The "host" or prefix (e.g., www, mail, or @ for your main domain).
  • Type: Select the record type from the dropdown (A, MX, TXT, etc.).
  • Content: The "destination" (e.g., an IP address like 192.0.2.1 or a hostname).
  • TTL (Time to Live): This tells the internet how long to "cache" the record. 300 (5 minutes) is recommended for new setups.
  1. Click Save.

3. Understanding Propagation​

When you save a record, the change is instant on our servers, but it takes time for the rest of the internet to see it. This is called Propagation.

  • Timeline: While it can technically take up to 48 hours for every global server to update, most changes are visible within 5 to 15 minutes.
  • The Wait: If you’ve just registered a brand-new domain, propagation usually happens much faster than if you are updating a record that has existed for years.

4. Troubleshooting Checklist​

If your domain isn't working as expected, follow these diagnostic steps:

  • Check for Typos: A single extra dot or space in the "Content" field can break a connection.
  • Verify the TTL: If you just changed a record, remember that older servers might still be "remembering" your previous setting until the TTL expires.
  • Use Diagnostic Tools: * Online: Use a tool like DNSChecker.org to see your record's status around the world.
  • Command Line: Use dig yourdomain.com or nslookup yourdomain.com to see exactly what your computer is seeing.

Pro-Tip: If you are using DotSync Nameservers, many of these records (especially for Clearbox Email) can be configured automatically with one click.

Additional Resources​