Common DNS record types explained
DNS has many record types, but only a handful show up in most operational work. Knowing what each one does helps you troubleshoot faster.
- What common record types do.
- Which types matter for websites, mail, and verification.
- How to read results in a DNS lookup.
Core web records
A points a name to an IPv4 address.
AAAA points a name to an IPv6 address.
CNAME aliases one hostname to another.
Mail and verification
MX records define mail delivery targets.
TXT records often hold SPF, DMARC, DKIM selectors, or site verification values.
Zone control
NS records list the authoritative nameservers.
SOA records describe the zone authority and serial.
How to debug
Start with the record type that matches the application path you care about.
If DNS looks right but the site still fails, move on to ping, traceroute, or port checks.
Why does a DNS lookup show more than one record?
Because names often publish multiple answers for redundancy or load sharing.
Can a hostname have both A and AAAA?
Yes, and that is common on dual-stack sites.
Last updated: March 29, 2026