When you register a domain and set up hosting (web + email), one of the most important but confusing pieces is DNS. Understanding DNS settings for domain hosting helps you see how your domain connects to your website and email systems. This guide explains what DNS is, how it works, and how it ties your domain to both web hosting and email hosting.
1. What Is DNS?
DNS, or Domain Name System, is the internet’s phonebook. It translates human-friendly domain names (such as example.com) into numerical IP addresses that servers use to communicate.
When someone enters your domain in a browser, DNS tells the browser which server (IP) stores your website. DNS also determines which mail server handles emails for your domain.
2. Key DNS Record Types You Should Know
| Record Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| NS (Name Server) | Says where your DNS records are hosted. |
| A Record | Points a domain to an IPv4 server address. |
| AAAA Record | Points a domain to an IPv6 server address. |
| CNAME Record | Creates an alias from one domain/subdomain to another domain name. |
| MX Record | Specifies which mail servers should receive your emails. |
| TXT Record | Stores text values such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for email authentication. |
3. How DNS Settings Relate to Web Hosting
To connect your domain to your website hosting:
- Set Name Servers (NS)
At your domain registrar, set the NS records provided by your hosting or DNS provider. These NS records control where your DNS zone lives. - Configure an A Record
In your DNS zone, create an A record pointing your domain to your hosting provider’s server IP address. - Set a CNAME Record (optional)
Commonly used forwwwto redirect it to your main domain. - Adjust TTL
TTL (Time to Live) controls how long DNS data is cached. Lower TTL speeds up propagation during changes.
4. How DNS Settings Relate to Email Hosting
Email hosting relies on several DNS records:
- MX Records
These determine where incoming emails should be delivered. You may have multiple MX records with priorities. - TXT Records for Email Security
- SPF: Defines which servers can send email on your domain’s behalf.
- DKIM: Adds a cryptographic signature to verify that an email is legitimate.
- DMARC: Adds policies for how receiving servers should handle failed SPF or DKIM checks.
- CNAME Records (sometimes)
Some email providers use CNAME records for verification or DKIM configuration.
5. Common DNS Configuration Scenarios
- Web Hosting and Email Hosting on the Same Provider
You point NS to the hosting provider, then manage A, MX, CNAME, and TXT records in one place. - Using Different Providers
For example: website on SiteGround, email on Microsoft 365, DNS hosted at your domain registrar.
All required A, MX, CNAME, and TXT records must be placed in the same DNS zone. - Cloud-Based DNS Providers
Some users keep DNS on Cloudflare while hosting the website elsewhere. In this case, Cloudflare DNS must contain all relevant records.
6. Why Misconfigured DNS Can Break Things
- Incorrect A records cause your website to go offline.
- Wrong MX records result in lost incoming emails.
- Missing SPF/DKIM/DMARC reduces email deliverability or increases risk of spoofing.
- Incorrect NS records can cause your DNS settings to be ignored entirely.
7. Tips for Managing DNS Safely
- Use a stable and reputable DNS host.
- Lower the TTL before major changes.
- Verify DNS updates using online DNS lookup tools.
- Keep documentation of your DNS setup, especially when using separate providers for web and email. I strongly suggest following this tip.
Note on DNS Propagation Time
DNS changes do not update everywhere instantly. Most DNS updates begin to take effect within a few hours, but full global propagation typically takes 24–48 hours. In some cases, depending on your TTL settings and how different internet service providers cache DNS, it can take up to 72 hours for all locations worldwide to see the updated records.
For important changes such as moving web hosting or changing nameservers, it’s recommended to lower your TTL 1–2 days before making the update. This helps the new DNS information spread faster. After propagation completes, you can raise the TTL again for stability. Even when propagation is “complete,” some users in different regions may still see the old records temporarily due to local DNS caching behavior.
Conclusion
DNS is the foundational layer that connects your domain to your website and your email systems. Understanding core records such as A, CNAME, MX, and TXT helps ensure your website loads correctly, your emails arrive safely, and your domain stays secure. With a solid DNS configuration, your online presence becomes far more reliable and easier to manage.
