Managing DNS (Domain Name System) settings is a crucial aspect of web hosting. DNS records control where your domain points and how it interacts with other services. Whether you need to add an A record to point your domain to a new IP address, set up MX records for email services, or create a CNAME for subdomains, Plesk provides a user-friendly interface to manage these settings. This guide will walk you through the process of adding a custom DNS record on Plesk.

What Is a DNS Record?

A DNS record is an entry in your domain’s DNS settings that specifies how domain requests are handled. Each DNS record has a type, such as A, CNAME, MX, or TXT, and a value that directs the request to the appropriate server or service. For example, an A record maps a domain to an IP address, while an MX record directs email traffic to the correct mail server.

Why Add a Custom DNS Record?

Adding custom DNS records allows you to:

• Point Your Domain to a New IP Address: For example, when moving your website to a new server.
• Set Up Email Services: Configure MX records to ensure emails are routed correctly.
• Verify Domain Ownership: Add TXT records for services like Google Workspace or SSL verification.
• Create Subdomains: Use CNAME records to point subdomains to the correct locations.

Step 1: Log in to Plesk

1. Access the Plesk Login Page: Open your web browser and navigate to the Plesk login URL provided by AlpineHost, such as https://yourdomain.com:8443.
2. Enter Your Credentials: Log in using the username and password provided in your AlpineHost welcome email.

Step 2: Navigate to the DNS Settings

1. Go to “Websites & Domains”: In the Plesk dashboard, find and click on the “Websites & Domains” option in the left-hand menu.
2. Select DNS Settings: Scroll down to the domain you want to manage and click on “DNS Settings.”

Step 3: Add a Custom DNS Record

1. Click “Add Record”: To add a new DNS record, click the “Add Record” button at the top of the DNS settings page.

2. Choose the Record Type: Select the type of DNS record you want to add (e.g., A, CNAME, MX, TXT).

3. Enter the Record Details:

   • For A Record: Enter the domain or subdomain in the "Domain name" field and the IP address in the "IP address" field.
   • For CNAME Record: Enter the subdomain in the "Domain name" field and the canonical domain in the "Canonical name" field.
   • For MX Record: Enter the priority and mail server in the appropriate fields.
   • For TXT Record: Enter the domain and the text value needed for verification.

4. Save the Record: After entering the required details, click “OK” to save the DNS record.

Step 4: Verify and Apply Changes

1. Check the Record List: After saving, the new record will appear in the DNS settings list.
2. Apply Changes: If you made multiple changes, click “Update” to apply all changes at once. This ensures that your DNS settings are updated correctly.

Step 5: Wait for DNS Propagation

DNS changes don’t take effect immediately. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours for the changes to propagate across the internet.

1. Monitor DNS Propagation: Use online tools to check the status of your DNS changes globally.
2. Test Your Settings: Once propagation is complete, test the new DNS settings by visiting the domain, sending an email, or performing the required action to ensure it’s working correctly.

Common Types of DNS Records

Understanding the most common types of DNS records will help you manage your domain more effectively:

• A Record: Points a domain or subdomain to an IP address.
• CNAME Record: Maps a subdomain to another domain name.
• MX Record: Directs email to a mail server.
• TXT Record: Provides text information to external sources, often used for domain verification and security settings.

When to Contact Support

If you encounter any issues while adding or managing your DNS records, AlpineHost support is here to assist you. Whether you're unsure about which record type to use or need help troubleshooting DNS issues, our support team is available to help. Contact us at support@alpinehost.ch or info@alpinehost.ch for expert guidance.

FAQs

How long does it take for DNS changes to propagate?
DNS changes typically take between a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate across the internet.

Can I add multiple DNS records for the same domain?
Yes, you can add multiple DNS records for the same domain, such as multiple MX records for email redundancy or multiple A records for load balancing.

What should I do if my DNS changes aren’t working?
If your DNS changes aren’t working, double-check the details you entered for accuracy. If the problem persists after 48 hours, contact AlpineHost support.

What’s the difference between an A record and a CNAME record?
An A record points a domain to an IP address, while a CNAME record points a subdomain to another domain name, allowing for more flexible domain management.

Can I revert DNS changes if something goes wrong?
Yes, you can revert DNS changes by deleting the new record or editing it to restore the previous settings.

Why would I need to add a TXT record?
TXT records are often used for domain verification, email security settings (like SPF and DKIM), or providing additional information to external services.

Conclusion

Adding custom DNS records in Plesk is a powerful way to control how your domain interacts with various services. Whether you need to point your domain to a new server, set up email services, or verify domain ownership, Plesk makes it easy to manage your DNS settings. By following this guide, you’ll be able to add and manage DNS records with confidence. If you need any further assistance, AlpineHost’s support team is always here to help.