How To Add DNS Records
You can use the same process in DNSimple to add several common DNS record types. These record types share the same interface and general steps in our system:
A
NS (when added inside a zone, not the ones that delegate the domain to external providers.)
Steps to add a DNS record
- Use the account switcher at the top of the page to select the appropriate account.
- From your Domains tab, click on the domain you want to manage.
- Click the DNS tab on the left side.
- Scroll to the DNS records section and click Add/Manage.
- Click Add Record.
- Select the record type from the dropdown menu.
- Fill out the Name and Content fields (or Destination, depending on the record).
- Click Add Record to save it.
Some hosting providers label fields differently than DNSimple does, which can be confusing if you’re copying DNS settings from another provider.
- In DNSimple, Name = what others might call Host.
- In DNSimple, Content = what others might call Value.
- For URL records, the destination is entered in the Content field.
| Record Type | Name (host) | Content (value) | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Subdomain (e.g., www, blog) or leave blank for root (@) | IPv4 address | 93.184.216.34 |
| AAAA | Same as A record | IPv6 address | 2606:2800:220:1:248:1893:25c8:1946 |
| CNAME | Subdomain (e.g., app) | Domain name | app-host.example.com |
| ALIAS | Root domain (blank), or subdomain | Hostname to resolve dynamically | example.com |
| TXT | Varies — often @, _acme-challenge, or subdomain | Verification string or SPF rule | “google-site-verification=abc123” |
| URL | Subdomain you want to redirect (e.g., shop) | Destination URL | https://store.example.com |
| NS | Subdomain to delegate (e.g., blog) | Name server address | ns1.otherdns.com |
Helpful tips
- Use @ in the Name field to refer to the root domain.
- All domain names in the Content field should end with a dot (.) to avoid resolution issues.
- A CNAME record cannot coexist with any other record type using the same name (subdomain).
- For URL records, the destination must be a full URL (including http:// or https://).
- If you’re copying a DNS record from another provider, always double-check how they name fields.
Have more questions?
If you have additional questions or need any assistance with your DNS records, just contact support, and we’ll be happy to help.