DNS (Domain Name System) records are crucial in directing your domain to the right web servers, configuring email delivery, and ensuring your website functions smoothly. Add and manage DNS records if you’re using Hostinger as your hosting provider. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps to add DNS records in Hostinger, ensuring your domain behaves exactly as you need it to.
Understanding DNS Records
Before we get into the step-by-step guide, it’s important to understand what DNS records are and why they matter. DNS records are instructions that tell your domain how to behave. They map your domain to web servers, IP addresses, or email servers, directing traffic where it needs to go. Some common types of DNS records include:
- A Record: Points your domain to an IP address.
- CNAME Record: Points your domain to another domain name.
- MX Record: Directs email to your mail server.
- TXT Record: Provides text information to external sources, often used for email validation.
These records are essential for properly functioning your website and email services.
Step 1: Access Your Domain Management in Hostinger
To begin adding DNS records, you must first log in to your Hostinger account and access the domain management area.
- Log In to Hostinger
Start by logging into your Hostinger account using your credentials. Once logged in, you’ll be directed to the Hostinger dashboard.
- Navigate to Domains
From the dashboard, locate the “Domains” section in the top menu and click on it. This will take you to a page listing all your registered domains.
- Click on Domain Portfolio. Within
the “Domains” section, click on “Domain Portfolio.” This is where you can manage all aspects of your domains, including DNS settings.
Step 2: Manage DNS Records for Your Domain
Now that you’re in the Domain Portfolio, it’s time to manage the DNS records for your chosen domain.
- Scroll to Your Desired Domain
You’ll see a list of all your domains in the Domain Portfolio. Scroll down to the domain you want to add or modify DNS records.
- Click on Manage
Next to the domain name, you’ll find a “Manage” button. Click on it to access the settings for that specific domain. This will take you to the domain management page, where you can see various options related to your domain.
Step 3: Adding a New DNS Record
Adding a new DNS record in Hostinger is a simple process. Here’s how to do it:
- Locate the DNS Records Section
On the domain management page, scroll down until you find the “DNS Records” section. This is where you can add, edit, or delete DNS records for your domain.
- Choose the Record Type
To add a new record:
- Start by selecting the type of DNS record you want to add.
- Click on the “Type” dropdown menu to see the options available (A, CNAME, MX, TXT, etc.).
- Choose the appropriate type based on what you need the record to do.
- Enter the Required Information
After selecting the record type, you’ll need to fill in several fields:
- Name: This is the name of the DNS record, often set as your domain or subdomain.
- Points to: Depending on the type of record, this could be an IP address (for A records), another domain name (for CNAME records), or a mail server (for MX records).
- TTL (Time to Live): TTL determines how long DNS servers cache the record. The default setting is usually fine, but you can adjust it based on your needs.
- Add the Record
Once all fields are filled in, review the information to ensure accuracy. Then, click the “Add Record” button to save the new DNS record. The record will be added to your domain’s DNS settings, and changes should propagate within a few minutes, although it can take up to 24 hours in some cases.
Step 4: Editing or Deleting DNS Records
There may be times when you need to edit or delete existing DNS records. Hostinger makes this process just as simple.
- Locate the DNS Record to Edit or Delete
In the DNS Records section, you’ll see a list of all existing records for your domain. Find the record you want to edit or delete.
- Edit a DNS Record
To edit a DNS record, click on the “Edit” icon next to the record. This will allow you to change the name, points to address, or TTL. After making your changes, click “Save” to update the record.
- Delete a DNS Record
If you need to remove a record entirely, click the “Delete” icon next to it. Confirm the deletion and the record will be removed from your DNS settings.
Step 5: Resetting DNS Records
If you’ve made a mistake or need to revert to the default DNS settings, Hostinger allows you to reset all DNS records for a specific domain.
- Find the Reset Option
Scroll to the bottom of the DNS Records section. You’ll see an option labeled “Reset DNS Records.”
- Reset DNS Records
Click on the “Reset DNS Records” button. A confirmation window will warn you that this action will delete all custom DNS records and restore the default settings. If you’re sure, click “Confirm” to proceed.
Resetting DNS records is a powerful tool but should be used cautiously, as it will remove any custom configurations you’ve set up.
Conclusion
Managing DNS records is essential to maintaining your website and email services. Whether pointing your domain to a new server, setting up email, or configuring security settings, knowing how to add, edit, and manage DNS records in Hostinger is crucial. Following this step-by-step guide, you can easily handle your DNS settings and ensure your domain is properly configured.
With Hostinger’s user-friendly interface, adding DNS records is simple. This allows you to focus on running your website without worrying about complex technical details. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, Hostinger provides the tools and support you need to manage your domain effectively.
