What Is a DNS A Record?
A DNS A record (Address record) is one of the most fundamental DNS records. It connects a domain name (example.com) to a specific IPv4 address (e.g., 184.0.2.1), allowing browsers and other clients to find the correct server.
In simple terms, it's what tells the internet "this domain lives at this IP address." An example A record is:
| example.com |
Record Type |
Value |
TTL |
| @ |
A |
184.0.2.1 |
14400 |
Structure – An A record typically includes:
- Hostname (e.g.,
example.com shown above)
- Record Type (
A)
- Value (IPv4 address, e.g.,
184.0.2.1 shown above)
- TTL (Time to Live): how long the record is cached in seconds (default is 14400)
Why A Records Matter
A records are essential for directing internet traffic. Without them, users would need to type in numeric IP addresses instead of easy-to-remember domain names. They're used for both root domains (e.g., example.com) and subdomains (e.g., blog.example.com)
DNS A records are also used by DNSBLs (blocklists) to flag IP addresses associated with spam. Mail servers query these lists, and if an IP is listed, a special A record response helps determine whether the message should be blocked or filtered.
Key Features of A Records
IPv4 Only – A records work exclusively with IPv4 addresses. For IPv6, the equivalent is an AAAA record.
Multiple Records – You can assign multiple A records to a domain to support:
- Basic load balancing
- Redundancy/failover
How Do I Know If My A Record Is Set Up Correctly?
When you're changing your DNS or adding/modifying A records, you'll want to check your A record to make sure it's configured properly so your web traffic doesn't decrease.
Run a DNS A Record Check