An A record is a DNS record that points a domain or subdomain to an IPv4 address. It is one of the most common records used to connect a domain to a website.
If someone types your domain into a browser, the A record can help send that request to the server where your website lives.
What an A Record Looks Like
An A record usually has three main parts:
- Name or host
- Value or points to
- TTL
The name identifies what the record applies to. The value is the IP address. TTL controls how long networks may cache the record before checking again.
For example:
| Type | Name | Value |
|---|---|---|
| A | @ | 192.0.2.10 |
The @ symbol often means the root domain, such as yourbusiness.ca.
What A Records Are Used For
A records are commonly used to:
- Point a root domain to website hosting
- Point a subdomain to a specific server
- Connect a domain to a custom website
- Send traffic to a hosting plan
- Support mail-related hostnames in some setups
An A record uses an IPv4 address. If you need to point to an IPv6 address, that uses an AAAA record instead.
A Record vs CNAME Record
An A record points to an IP address.
A CNAME record points one hostname to another hostname.
For example, the root domain may use an A record that points to a hosting IP address. The www version may use a CNAME that points to the root domain or to a platform hostname.
Use the record type requested by your hosting provider, website builder, or service. Do not switch record types just because they seem similar.
When You Might Change an A Record
You may change an A record when:
- Moving a website to a new hosting plan
- Launching a new website
- Connecting a domain to hosting
- Replacing an old website server
- Pointing a subdomain to a tool or application
Before changing the A record, confirm the exact IP address from the new hosting or website provider.
Where to Change an A Record
Change the A record wherever DNS is currently managed.
If the domain uses Tech Help Canada Hosting DNS, start from the Tech Help Canada Hosting account area and open the domain’s DNS records.
If the nameservers point somewhere else, edit the A record in that DNS provider’s dashboard instead. Updating DNS records in the wrong account will not affect the live domain.
Before You Edit an A Record
Write down:
- The current A record value
- The new IP address
- The domain or subdomain being changed
- Whether
wwwalso needs a change - Whether email records should stay untouched
- Whether SSL is ready on the new host
If you are changing the root domain, test both the root version and the www version after the update.
Common A Record Problems
The IP address is typed incorrectly.
The wrong host is edited, such as changing www when the root domain needed the update.
The root domain is changed but www is not.
The DNS record is edited at a provider that is not controlling the domain.
The old record is still being cached during propagation.
The website hosting plan is not ready for the domain yet.
After You Update an A Record
Wait for DNS to update, then test:
- Root domain
wwwversion- HTTPS
- Key pages
- Contact forms
- Business email
If the website still does not load, confirm the nameservers, A record value, hosting setup, and SSL status.
If you need hosting to point your domain to, you can explore cPanel hosting through Tech Help Canada Hosting.
I can suggest related Tech Help Canada articles based on the topic you’re reading now.
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