A points a name to an IPv4 address; CNAME aliases one hostname to another; MX directs email; TXT stores verification and policy text.
Step by Step
- Use an A record when a hostname needs to point to an IPv4 address.
- Use a CNAME when a hostname should alias another hostname.
- Use MX records to specify the mail servers receiving email for a domain.
- Use TXT records for items such as domain verification, SPF, DKIM-related information, and other text-based policies.
- Follow the exact host/name and value supplied by the service you are configuring.
If That Doesn't Work
- Do not copy DNS values from another domain unless the provider specifically instructs you to.
- DNS changes can take time to be seen everywhere because resolvers cache previous answers.