A CNAME record creates an alias. The final IP addresses are looked up through the target host name.
Which value should you enter?
| Record type | CNAME |
| Value | Another host name, for example target.example.net |
| TTL | Use the default value unless a provider specifies otherwise. |
What should you consider?
- Do not use an IP address as the CNAME value.
- A CNAME record on the root domain is usually not permitted.
- Do not combine a CNAME with other record types on the same name.
DNS changes take time
After saving, an old value may temporarily remain in cache. Therefore, check not only in your browser but also with an external DNS checker.
Frequently asked questions
When will a change to CNAME become visible?
This depends on the TTL and provider caches. The change is often visible within a few minutes, but old responses may be retained for longer.
Can I undo a DNS change?
Yes. Restore the previous value and save again. This correction may also temporarily be affected by DNS cache.
Do I need to change the TTL?
Usually not. For a planned migration, you can lower the TTL in advance so later changes are retrieved more quickly.
Still need help?
Email support@mosthosted.com and include your domain name, the required record and the value.