An A Record maps a domain or subdomain to an IP address, allowing browsers to connect to the correct server hosting your website. Here’s how to add an A Record using cPanel’s DNS Zone Editor.
Step 1: Log in to cPanel
- Open your web browser and navigate to your cPanel login page (e.g.,
https://yourdomain.com:2083). - Enter your username and password, then click Log in.
Step 2: Open the DNS Zone Editor
- Scroll down to the Domains section in your cPanel dashboard.
- Click on Zone Editor.
Step 3: Select the Domain
- In the Zone Editor, locate the domain for which you want to add the A Record.
- Click Manage next to the domain name.
Step 4: Add an A Record
- On the DNS Records page, click + Add Record or Add A Record, depending on your cPanel version.
- Fill in the following fields:
- Name: Enter the name for the record:
- For the main domain, enter
@or leave it blank. - For a subdomain, enter the subdomain name (e.g.,
subdomainforsubdomain.yourdomain.com).
- For the main domain, enter
- TTL (Time to Live): Enter the TTL value (e.g.,
14400seconds) or leave the default value. - Type: Ensure the type is set to A.
- Record: Enter the destination IP address (e.g.,
192.168.1.1).
- Name: Enter the name for the record:
- Click Save Record or Add Record.
Step 5: Verify the A Record
- Once the A Record is added, it will appear in the list of DNS records.
- Use a DNS propagation checker (e.g., WhatsMyDNS) or the
pingcommand to verify the new A Record is resolving correctly.
Tips for Managing A Records
- Propagation Time: DNS changes can take up to 24-48 hours to propagate globally, though they usually update sooner.
- Correct IP Address: Double-check the IP address before saving the record to avoid connectivity issues.
- Backup DNS Records: Before making changes, export or document existing DNS records as a backup.
By adding an A Record through cPanel’s DNS Zone Editor, you can ensure your domain or subdomain points to the correct server, helping visitors reach the intended content or application.
