DNS Management
How to Add DNS Records Using the cPanel Zone Editor
A field-by-field walkthrough for adding A, CNAME, TXT, and MX records correctly the first time.
4
Common record types: A, CNAME, TXT, MX
5 min
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In short
To add a DNS record, open the Zone Editor in cPanel, select the domain, choose the record type (A, CNAME, TXT, or MX), then fill in the name (subdomain or @ for the root), the value (an IP for A, a hostname for CNAME/MX, or text for TXT), and a TTL. Save the record and allow propagation time, which ranges from minutes to 48 hours depending on the TTL.
Each record type has a specific format the Zone Editor validates, so most typos or invalid entries are caught before saving, though logical mistakes like a wrong destination IP will still save successfully and simply not work as expected.
Whether you're pointing a domain at a new server, verifying ownership for a third-party tool, or setting up email, almost every task comes down to adding one of four DNS record types: A, CNAME, TXT, or MX. Each has a different purpose and a different expected value, and getting the fields right the first time avoids a frustrating cycle of waiting for propagation just to discover a typo.
This guide walks through the cPanel Zone Editor field by field for each record type, plus the propagation and TTL behavior that explains why a freshly saved record doesn't always take effect instantly.
Adding an A Record
An A record points a domain or subdomain directly to a server's IPv4 address, and it's the record type used for the root domain (@) pointing to your website's server, or for a subdomain like shop.yourdomain.com pointing to a different server entirely. In the Zone Editor, select 'A Record', enter the name (use @ for the root domain, or the subdomain label such as 'shop' for a subdomain), then enter the destination IP address in the value field.
Set a reasonable TTL — 3600 seconds (one hour) is a common default, though it's worth lowering this to 300 seconds temporarily before any planned server migration so the change propagates faster. Save the record, and double-check the IP address is correct, since the Zone Editor validates the format of an IP but has no way to know if it's the right one for your intended destination.
Adding a CNAME Record
A CNAME (Canonical Name) record points a subdomain to another hostname rather than directly to an IP address, which is useful when that hostname's underlying IP might change — like pointing www.yourdomain.com to yourdomain.com, or connecting a subdomain to a third-party service such as a CDN. In the Zone Editor, select 'CNAME Record', enter the subdomain name, and enter the target hostname (not an IP) as the value, always ending with a trailing dot if the interface requires fully qualified names.
A key rule with CNAME records is that a name can't have both a CNAME and any other record type (like an A or MX record) at the same time — this is a DNS standard restriction, not a hosting limitation, and the Zone Editor will typically block a conflicting save. If you need a root domain to behave like a CNAME, most hosts offer an 'ALIAS' or 'ANAME' record type as a workaround, since true CNAME records aren't allowed at the domain root.
Adding a TXT Record
TXT records store arbitrary text data attached to a domain or subdomain, and they're most commonly used for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC email authentication, as well as domain ownership verification for services like Google Workspace or SSL certificate providers. In the Zone Editor, select 'TXT Record', enter the name (often @ for domain-wide records like SPF, or a specific selector subdomain for DKIM), and paste the exact text string the requesting service or authentication standard specifies.
TXT record values are extremely sensitive to exact formatting — an extra space, a missing quotation mark, or a truncated string will cause verification or authentication to silently fail. Copy values directly from the source (your email provider's DKIM generator, or the verification instructions from a third-party service) rather than retyping them, and confirm long TXT records aren't cut off by any character limit in the interface.
Adding an MX Record
MX records direct inbound email to the correct mail server and require a priority value in addition to the standard name and destination fields. In the Zone Editor, select 'MX Record', enter the name (usually @ for the root domain), enter the destination mail server's hostname (never an IP address) as the value, and set a priority number — lower numbers are tried first by sending mail servers.
If you're adding a backup MX record alongside an existing primary, give it a higher priority number so it's only used as a fallback. As with CNAME records, the MX value must be a hostname that itself resolves via an A record, so confirm that hostname exists and points to the right server before saving, or inbound mail will fail even though the MX record itself looks correctly formatted.
One Zone Editor for Every Record Type
Hosting Cheap's cPanel-style panel includes a single Zone Editor for managing A, CNAME, TXT, MX, and other record types, with built-in format validation so common typos are caught before you save rather than after hours of failed propagation.
If a record isn't behaving as expected, our 24/7 human support team can review your full zone file and spot conflicts, like a CNAME clashing with another record, that are easy to miss on your own.
- Single Zone Editor for A, CNAME, TXT, MX, and more
- Built-in format validation catches common entry mistakes
- 24/7 human support for DNS record troubleshooting
- Free domain and DNS management with every annual plan
Why Hosting Cheap
What you get
All record types in one place
Add A, CNAME, TXT, and MX records without switching between separate tools.
Built-in validation
The Zone Editor checks formatting so malformed records are caught before saving.
Adjustable TTL
Set shorter TTLs ahead of planned changes so updates propagate faster.
24/7 support
Get hands-on help any time a DNS record isn't behaving as expected.
Free SSL
Auto-renewing SSL secures every server your DNS records point to.
30-day guarantee
Try the full DNS toolset risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How It Works
Get set up in a few steps
Open the Zone Editor
Select the domain and choose the record type you need to add.
Fill in name, value, and TTL
Enter the correct format for the record type, matching the source exactly for TXT records.
Save and verify propagation
Wait for the TTL period to pass, then confirm the record with a DNS lookup tool.
Included
Everything you need, on every plan
- Correct record type selected (A, CNAME, TXT, or MX)
- Name field set to @ for root domain or the correct subdomain label
- Value field matches the required format (IP, hostname, or text string)
- TXT record values copied exactly, with no missing characters
- MX records include a valid priority number
- CNAME records don't conflict with an existing A or MX record on the same name
- TTL lowered in advance of any planned, time-sensitive change
- Record confirmed with a DNS lookup tool after propagation
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where do I add DNS records like A, CNAME, TXT, and MX?
In cPanel, open the Zone Editor, select your domain, choose the record type you need, and fill in the name, value, and TTL fields before saving. All four common record types are managed from this same tool.
How long do DNS changes take to go live?
Propagation depends on the record's TTL (time to live) — a record with a 300-second TTL can be visible to most of the internet within minutes, while one with a 24-48 hour TTL can take that long to fully propagate everywhere.
What's the difference between an A record and a CNAME record?
An A record points directly to an IP address, while a CNAME record points to another hostname, which is useful when that hostname's IP might change over time. A name can have one or the other, but never both.
Why isn't my TXT record working after I saved it?
TXT records are extremely sensitive to exact formatting — an extra space, missing quotation marks, or a truncated string is enough to break SPF, DKIM, or verification checks. Copy the value directly from the source rather than retyping it.
What priority number should I use for an MX record?
Lower numbers are tried first by sending mail servers, so your primary mail server should have the lowest priority value, with any backup servers assigned higher numbers to serve as fallbacks.
Can I add a CNAME record for my root domain?
No, true CNAME records aren't permitted at a domain's root due to a DNS standard restriction. Most control panels offer an ALIAS or ANAME record type as a workaround that behaves like a CNAME at the root.
Manage Every DNS Record From One Panel
Add A, CNAME, TXT, and MX records with built-in validation and 24/7 human support.
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