DNS records control how your domain name works on the internet.
They tell browsers, mail servers, and other services where your website, email, and online services should point.
For example, DNS records help decide:
- Where your website loads from
- Which server receives your email
- Whether your domain is verified by an external service
- Which services are connected to your domain
What Does DNS Mean?
DNS stands for Domain Name System.
It works like an address book for the internet.
Instead of visitors needing to remember a server IP address, they can type your domain name.
Example:
yourdomain.co.za
DNS tells the internet where that domain should go.
Why Are DNS Records Important?
DNS records are important because they control important services linked to your domain.
If DNS records are incorrect, you may experience issues such as:
- Website not loading
- Email not being delivered
- Webmail not working
- External services not verifying your domain
- SSL certificate problems
- Subdomains not working
Common Types of DNS Records
There are different types of DNS records.
Each record type has a different purpose.
A Record
An A record points a domain or subdomain to an IP address.
Example:
yourdomain.co.za → 192.0.2.10
A records are commonly used to point a website to a hosting server.
CNAME Record
A CNAME record points one name to another name.
Example:
www.yourdomain.co.za → yourdomain.co.za
CNAME records are often used for www records, external services, verification, and hosted platforms.
MX Record
An MX record controls where email for your domain is delivered.
Example:
yourdomain.co.za → mail server
If MX records are wrong, email may stop working.
MX records are used for services such as:
- HostworX email
- Google Workspace
- Microsoft 365
- Zoho Mail
- Other external mail providers
TXT Record
A TXT record stores text information for your domain.
TXT records are commonly used for:
- Domain verification
- SPF records
- DKIM records
- DMARC records
- Email security
- External service verification
External services may ask you to add a TXT record to prove that you own or control the domain.
SPF Record
An SPF record is a type of TXT record.
It helps mail servers check which servers are allowed to send email for your domain.
SPF can help reduce email spoofing and improve email delivery.
DKIM Record
A DKIM record helps verify that email sent from your domain is legitimate and has not been changed in transit.
DKIM records are usually provided by your email provider.
DMARC Record
A DMARC record tells receiving mail servers how to handle email that fails SPF or DKIM checks.
DMARC can help protect your domain from email spoofing and phishing.
NS Records
NS records show which nameservers are responsible for your domain DNS.
Nameservers control where DNS records are managed.
If your domain uses HostworX nameservers, DNS records are usually managed through HostworX or DirectAdmin.
If your domain uses another provider’s nameservers, DNS records must usually be managed there instead.
Where Are DNS Records Managed?
DNS records are managed wherever your active nameservers are hosted.
This may be:
- HostworX
- DirectAdmin
- Your domain registrar
- Cloudflare
- Microsoft
- Another DNS provider
Important: Changing DNS records in DirectAdmin will only work if your domain uses the DNS zone on the HostworX server.
If your domain uses external nameservers, you must update DNS at the external provider.
Step 1 – Log Into DirectAdmin
Open your browser and visit: https://cp.yourdomain.co.za (Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name.)
Enter your DirectAdmin username and password.
Click: Log In
Step 2 – Open DNS Management
Once you are logged into DirectAdmin, open the DNS area.
Click: Account Manager
Then click: DNS Management
Step 3 – Select Your Domain
If you have more than one domain on your hosting account, select the correct domain.
Select: Your domain name, example: yourdomain.co.za
You can now view and manage the DNS records for that domain.
Important Notes
Please keep the following in mind:
- DNS controls where your website and email point.
- Incorrect DNS records can break website or email services.
- DNS changes can take time to update.
- MX records affect email delivery.
- A records and CNAME records often affect website loading.
- TXT records are often used for verification and email security.
- Only edit DNS records if you understand what they do or have instructions from your provider.
When Should I Contact HostworX Support?
Contact HostworX Support if:
- You are unsure which DNS record to change.
- Your website stopped working after a DNS change.
- Email stopped working after changing MX records.
- You need help adding Google, Microsoft 365, or Zoho records.
- You are not sure where your DNS is hosted.
- SSL is failing because of DNS issues.
Conclusion
DNS records tell the internet where your domain, website, email, and services should point.
Understanding basic DNS records can help you manage your domain more safely.
Be careful when changing DNS records, as incorrect settings can affect your website and email.
