How to Add a CNAME Record in Hostinger: A Step-by-Step Guide

A CNAME (Canonical Name) record is a type of DNS record that allows you to point one domain name to another, effectively creating an alias. For instance, if you have a subdomain like nikki.mywebsite.com and want it to point to your main website at website.com, a CNAME record will do the job. This guide will walk you through adding a CNAME record in Hostinger, ensuring your domain setup works smoothly.

 

Why Use a CNAME Record?

Using a CNAME record simplifies domain management and ensures consistency across your web presence. It’s beneficial for:

• Subdomains: Easily redirect subdomains to your primary domain.
• Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): Point your domain to a CDN for faster content delivery.
• Email Verification: Some email services require CNAME records for domain verification.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a CNAME Record in Hostinger

Adding a CNAME record in Hostinger is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure your domain points correctly to your desired target.

Step 1: Log in to Hostinger

• Log in to your Hostinger account: Start by accessing your Hostinger account. This will take you to the main dashboard, where you can manage your domains and hosting services.

Step 2: Navigate to Domain Management

• Click on “Domains”: The “Domains” section is on the main dashboard. Here, you can manage all your domain-related settings.
• Click on “Domain Portfolio”: You’ll see a list of all domains associated with your Hostinger account.

Step 3: Select the Domain

• Scroll down to the desired domain: In the Domain Portfolio section, scroll down until you find the domain to which you want to add the CNAME record.
• Click on “Manage”: Click the “Manage” button next to the domain name. This will take you to the domain’s management page.

Step 4: Access DNS Settings

• Click on “DNS / Nameservers”: Locate and click on the “DNS / Nameservers” option on the management page. This is where you’ll manage your domain’s DNS records, including CNAME, A, MX, and others.

Step 5: Add the CNAME Record

• Click on “Add Record”: Look for the option to add a new DNS record, which is usually labeled “Add Record.”
• Select “CNAME” under Type: In the dropdown menu under “Type,” select “CNAME” to specify the type of DNS record you are adding.
• Fill in the required fields:
  • Name: Enter the subdomain or prefix (e.g., nikki for nikki.mywebsite.com).
  • Target: Enter the canonical name or the domain to which you want this subdomain to point (e.g., website.com).
  • TTL (Time to Live): Set the TTL, which determines how long the record should be cached. The default value is usually fine unless you have specific requirements.
• Click on “Add Record”: After entering all the necessary information, click “Add Record” to save the CNAME record.

Step 6: Verify the CNAME Record

• Check the DNS records list: After adding the CNAME record, it should appear in your domain’s list of DNS records. Double-check that all the information is correct.
• Propagation time: DNS changes may take some time to propagate. The changes could take a few minutes to 48 hours to be fully reflected.

 

How to Reset DNS Records to Default

Sometimes, changes to DNS records may not produce the desired results or cause issues with your website’s functionality. If you need to undo any changes, Hostinger allows you to reset your DNS records to their default settings.

Step 1: Access DNS Settings

• Log in and navigate to DNS settings: As described above, log in to your Hostinger account, go to “Domains”, select your domain, and access the DNS / Nameservers section.

Step 2: Reset DNS Records

• Find the “Reset DNS Records” option: In the DNS management area, look for the option to reset your DNS records. This is typically located near the top or bottom of the page.
• Click on “Reset DNS Records”: Confirm that you want to reset the DNS records to their default settings. This action will remove all custom DNS records and revert the domain to its original configuration.
• Confirm the Reset: Follow the prompts to confirm the reset. Once confirmed, your DNS records will be restored to their default state.

 

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues after adding a CNAME record or resetting your DNS settings, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

• Propagation Delays: Remember that DNS changes can take time to propagate. Wait at least 24 hours before checking if the changes have taken effect.
• Double-Check Entries: Ensure all entries are correct, including the CNAME target and the subdomain name.
• Clear Browser Cache: Sometimes, browser caching can prevent you from seeing the updated DNS settings. Clear your browser cache and try again.

 

Creating Your Website with Hostinger

If you still need to create your website with Hostinger, it’s an excellent platform. Hostinger offers a user-friendly interface, affordable pricing, and a range of features that make setting up and managing your website easy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced webmaster, Hostinger provides tools like the Website Builder, WordPress integration, and powerful hosting plans to help you get your site up and running quickly. You can also build up to 100 different websites for only $3 per month with Hostinger:

 

 

Conclusion

Adding a CNAME record in Hostinger is a simple process that can significantly enhance your domain management capabilities. Whether pointing a subdomain to your main website, setting up a CDN, or verifying your domain for email services, CNAME records are crucial in your DNS management toolkit. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently add and manage CNAME records in Hostinger, ensuring your domain behaves exactly as you need. If you make any mistakes, remember that resetting your DNS records to default is always an option to get things back on track.