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DNS record types supported by Dotsync

Overview​

Think of DNS (Domain Name System) as the internet’s address book. While you remember a name like example.com, computers use long strings of numbers called IP addresses. DNS records are the specific entries in that book that tell the internet exactly where to find your website, your email server, and your security certificates.

In the DotSync dashboard, you can manage these records with ease. Many records even include automatic SSL and CDN protection with a single toggle.

1. Web & Traffic Records​

These records connect your domain name to the physical servers where your website or app lives.

A Record (IPv4)​

  • What it is: The most common record. It points a name (like example.com) to a server’s IPv4 address (e.g., 192.0.2.1).
  • When to use it: When your web host gives you a specific numerical IP address.
  • DotSync Feature: You can toggle SSL & CDN on for A records to instantly secure and speed up your traffic.

AAAA Record (IPv6)​

  • What it is: Identical to an A record, but uses the newer, longer IPv6 address format (e.g., 2001:db8::1).
  • When to use it: When your hosting provider supports modern IPv6 networking.
  • DotSync Feature: Includes the SSL & CDN toggle.

CNAME (The "Nickname")​

  • What it is: Points one hostname to another hostname instead of an IP address. (e.g., blog.example.com points to hosted-service.com).
  • When to use it: For subdomains (like www or shop) that should follow an external service.
  • Important: Standard CNAMEs cannot be used at the root/apex (example.com).
  • DotSync Feature: Includes the SSL & CDN toggle.

ALIAS / ANAME (The "Root Alias")​

  • What it is: A special record that allows the root of your domain (example.com) to act like a CNAME.
  • When to use it: When a service (like a specialized website builder) asks you to point your root domain to a hostname rather than an IP address.

2. Email & Security Records​

These records ensure your business communication is delivered safely and securely.

MX (Mail Exchanger)​

  • What it is: Tells the world which server handles your incoming email.
  • When to use it: Always required if you want to receive email.
  • Pro-Tip: If you are using Clearbox, these records are often configured automatically for you.

TXT (Text Records)​

  • What it is: Small snippets of text used for verification.
  • When to use it: * Verification: Proving you own the domain to services like Google or Microsoft.
  • Email Security: Publishing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC rules to prevent people from spoofing your email.
  • SSL Validation: Proving ownership to certificate authorities.

CAA (Certificate Security)​

  • What it is: A safety lock that specifies which companies (Certificate Authorities) are allowed to issue security certificates for your domain.
  • When to use it: To prevent unauthorized parties from issuing a fraudulent SSL certificate for your brand.

3. Delegation & Advanced Records​

NS (Nameserver)​

  • What it is: Identifies who is in charge of your DNS "Address Book."
  • Default: When you register with DotSync, we set these to our servers (ns1.dotsync.com) so we can manage your SSL, CDN, and email settings automatically.

SRV (Service Locator)​

  • What it is: Directs specific applications (like VoIP or specialized chat software) to the correct port on a server.
  • When to use it: Only when a specific app (like Minecraft or a corporate phone system) asks for it.

PTR (Reverse DNS)​

  • What it is: The opposite of an A record; it maps an IP address back to a name.
  • Note: These are managed by the owner of the IP address (the hosting company), not usually within the DotSync dashboard.

DotSync Best Practices​

FeatureBest Practice
SSL & CDN ToggleLeave ON for all A, AAAA, and CNAME records to ensure your site is encrypted and fast.
TTL (Time to Live)Use 300 (5 minutes) if you are planning to change your server soon. Use 3600 (1 hour) for stable records.
Clearbox MailIf your DNS is managed by DotSync, we can publish your MX and SPF records automatically.

Troubleshooting Quick-Fixes​

  • Certificates not activating? Ensure your A or CNAME record is pointing to the correct location and that the SSL toggle is enabled.
  • Mail not arriving? Check your MX records and ensure there isn't a typo in the priority numbers (lower numbers are tried first).
  • Changes not showing? DNS takes time to "propagate." Depending on your TTL, it may take 5 to 60 minutes for the rest of the internet to see your updates.