How to Manage DNS Records Using cPanel Zone Editor

Overview

DNS (Domain Name System) is a fundamental part of the internet infrastructure, responsible for translating domain names like example.com into IP addresses. If you manage a website, understanding how to control DNS records is crucial — especially when connecting third-party services (email, subdomains, etc.).

The cPanel Zone Editor makes it easy to add, edit, and delete DNS records for your domain.

Tip: DNS changes can take some time to propagate. Tools like whatsmydns.net and geopeeker.com can help track when the updates are live worldwide.

Notes
DNS updates may take 15 minutes to 24 hours to propagate globally.
Use @ as shorthand for your root domain (e.g., example.com).
Always remove conflicting records before adding a new one of the same type and name.
Premium DNS Cloud Hosting is a paid service and managed separately via your Client Area if subscribed.

Accessing the DNS Zone Editor in cPanel

1. Log in to your cPanel account.
2. Under the Domains section, click Zone Editor.
3. Click Manage next to the domain you wish to edit.

How to Manage DNS Records

Delete a DNS Record

1. In the Zone Editor, locate the DNS record.
2. Click Delete next to the record to remove it.

Add an A Record

1. Click the + Add Record dropdown > select Add A Record.
2. Fill in:
   • Name: Use your domain or subdomain.
   • Record: IP address (e.g., 192.0.2.1)
3. Click Add Record.

Add a CNAME Record

1. Click the + Add Record dropdown > select Add CNAME Record.
2. Fill in:
   • Name: Subdomain (e.g., www.example.com)
   • Record: Fully qualified domain name (e.g., example.com)
3. Click Add Record.

Add an MX Record (Mail Exchange)

1. Filter records by selecting MX.
2. Click + Add Record > Add MX Record.
3. Enter:
   • Name: Use your domain (or @ = domain name)
   • Priority: e.g., 10
   • Record: Mail server hostname (e.g., mail.example.com)
4. Click Add Record.
5. Navigate to Email Routing:
   • Click Email Routing from the cPanel home.
   • Select your domain.
   • Choose Remote Mail Exchanger (for external services) or Local Mail Exchanger (for local hosting).
   • Click Change.

Add a TXT Record

1. Click + Add Record > Add TXT Record.
2. Enter:
   • Name: Your domain or subdomain
   • Record: TXT value (e.g., for domain verification)
3. Click Add Record.

Add an SRV Record

1. Click + Add Record > Add SRV Record.
2. Enter:
   • Name: Service and protocol (e.g., _sip._tcp.example.com)
   • Record: Enter required fields (priority, weight, port, target).
3. Click Add Record.