How to Manage DNS Zone Records in cPanel Print

Introduction

The DNS Zone Editor in cPanel allows you to manage DNS records for your domain. DNS records control how your domain name directs traffic to various services such as your website, email, and third-party applications.

Important: DNS zone management in cPanel only works when your domain's nameservers are pointed to Webfort. If your domain uses external nameservers, you'll need to manage DNS records through your domain registrar or DNS provider.

Accessing the Zone Editor

1. Log into cPanel
2. Go to Domains > Zone Editor
3. Click Manage next to the domain you want to edit

Common DNS Record Types

A Record

Points a domain or subdomain to an IP address (IPv4).

• Use case: Directing yourdomain.com to your server's IP address
• Example: Name: yourdomain.com | Type: A | Value: 123.45.67.89

AAAA Record

Points a domain or subdomain to an IPv6 address.

• Use case: Same as A record but for IPv6 addresses

CNAME Record

Creates an alias that points one domain name to another domain name.

• Use case: Pointing www.yourdomain.com to yourdomain.com, or pointing a subdomain to a third-party service
• Example: Name: www | Type: CNAME | Value: yourdomain.com

Note: CNAME records cannot be used for the root domain (yourdomain.com) — only for subdomains.

MX Record

Specifies the mail server responsible for receiving email for your domain.

• Use case: Directing email to your hosting server or an external email service like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365
• Example: Name: yourdomain.com | Type: MX | Priority: 0 | Value: mail.yourdomain.com

TXT Record

Stores text information, commonly used for email authentication and domain verification.

• Use case: SPF records, DKIM records, DMARC policies, Google Search Console verification
• Example: Name: yourdomain.com | Type: TXT | Value: v=spf1 +mx +a ~all

SRV Record

Defines the location of specific services such as VoIP or messaging.

• Use case: Microsoft Teams, SIP services, or custom application services

Adding a DNS Record

1. In the Zone Editor, click Add Record
2. Select the record type from the dropdown
3. Fill in the required fields (Name, TTL, Type, Value/Address)
4. Click Save Record

Editing a DNS Record

1. Find the record you want to change in the Zone Editor
2. Click Edit next to it
3. Make your changes
4. Click Save Record

Deleting a DNS Record

1. Find the record in the Zone Editor
2. Click Delete next to it
3. Confirm the deletion

Warning: Be very careful when deleting DNS records. Removing essential records (like your A record or MX records) will cause your website or email to stop working.

Understanding TTL (Time to Live)

TTL determines how long DNS servers cache your record before checking for updates. It's measured in seconds:

• 14400 (4 hours) — the default; suitable for most situations
• 300 (5 minutes) — useful when you're about to make changes and want them to propagate quickly
• 86400 (24 hours) — for records that rarely change

Tip: If you're planning a DNS change, reduce the TTL a day or two beforehand so the transition is faster.

If you need help managing your DNS records, please open a support ticket.