DNS records

When you can edit DNS here

Record editing works only while the domain uses Steady-managed DNS (the nameservers we operate). If you switched to custom nameservers, change records at that DNS host instead. The portal shows DNS when dnsRead is on, and save/delete when dnsWrite is on.

Record types

A points a name at IPv4. AAAA at IPv6. CNAME aliases one name to another (not on the zone apex). MX is mail, with a priority. TXT is used for SPF, DKIM, verification strings. NS delegates a subdomain. SRV is service discovery. CAA limits which CAs may issue certificates. ALIAS is an apex alias when that record type is available.

Use @ for the root of the domain. TTL is typically between 60 and 86400 seconds. Lower TTL makes changes visible faster and increases query load.

Mail and verification

MX plus SPF (TXT) are the usual minimum for mail. DKIM is additional TXT records from your mail host. Google / Microsoft domain ownership also uses TXT. Do not delete records you do not recognise without a copy.

Apex, www and mail together

A typical site uses A (and maybe AAAA) on @ and on www, or a CNAME from www to the apex hostname. Mail MX should stay on @. Do not put a CNAME on @ if you also need MX there.

After you change an A record, flush local DNS or wait the TTL. Test with dig or nslookup against a public resolver, not only your laptop cache.

TTL and mistakes

Set TTL to 300 seconds a day before a planned cutover, make the change, then raise TTL again. A wrong A record with TTL 86400 will keep sending visitors to the old IP for up to a day.