How is A different from CNAME?

A returns an IP address. CNAME aliases one name to another name. Apex CNAME is traditionally invalid; use provider-specific ALIAS records instead.

Can I have multiple A records?

Yes — simple load distribution. Ensure each target serves identical content or health checks.

What TTL should I use?

300–900 seconds before migrations; higher in steady state to reduce query load.

Does A record affect email?

Not directly — mail uses MX. But misconfigured web A does not explain mail failures; check MX/TXT separately.

Guides

DNS A Record Explained

dns a record · a record lookup · ipv4 dns record · aaaa record

What DNS A and AAAA records do, how A record lookup tools work, CDN caveats, and verifying IPv4/IPv6 before go-live.

Open DNS Checker2026-06-20

By DN01 Network Team

The A record maps a hostname to an IPv4 address. AAAA does the same for IPv6. Together they answer «where does this name point on the network?» — the first record type most operators change when moving web hosting or pointing a subdomain at a SaaS provider.

Use the DNS Checker for a combined view (A, AAAA, CNAME conflicts, and sibling MX/TXT). Use DIG when you need only A answers from a specific resolver.

How A records work

Example: `www.example.com A 93.184.216.34`. Multiple A records at one name may round-robin. TTL controls cache lifetime — lower before intentional changes.

Never place a CNAME at the same label as other data (including A) per DNS rules; use ALIAS/ANAME at apex on providers that support it instead.

A vs AAAA in practice

Publish AAAA when your origin supports IPv6; browsers prefer it when available. If only A exists, IPv6-only clients may fail unless a proxy handles dual stack.

After enabling CDN orange-cloud modes, A answers may show anycast IPs — that is expected. Compare grey-cloud vs orange-cloud in the DNS Checker when debugging origin routing.

Troubleshooting A record issues

Site down but A looks correct? Check TLS on the new IP with the SSL Certificate Checker and HTTP headers on the vhost. Wrong A often means editing the wrong DNS zone (child domain vs apex).

Flush local OS cache or query from an incognito session; stale TTL is the usual cause of «panel shows new IP, laptop shows old».

Frequently asked questions

How is A different from CNAME?: A returns an IP address. CNAME aliases one name to another name. Apex CNAME is traditionally invalid; use provider-specific ALIAS records instead.
Can I have multiple A records?: Yes — simple load distribution. Ensure each target serves identical content or health checks.
What TTL should I use?: 300–900 seconds before migrations; higher in steady state to reduce query load.
Does A record affect email?: Not directly — mail uses MX. But misconfigured web A does not explain mail failures; check MX/TXT separately.