Manage DNS

    Zoho Domains allows you to configure and manage multiple DNS record types to control how your domain connects to websites, email services, and other applications. Each supported record type serves a specific technical purpose and must be configured based on the intended service. Choosing the correct record type is essential for ensuring proper domain behavior.

    What is DNS?

    DNS stands for Domain Name System. It's like the phonebook of the internet. When you type a website address (like zohodomains.com) into your browser, DNS helps your computer find the IP address (a unique set of numbers) of the server where that website is stored.

    In simple terms, DNS translates the human-friendly website names you type into something computers can understand, so they can connect you to the right place on the internet. Without DNS, we'd have to remember complex numbers (IP addresses) instead of easy-to-remember domain names like www.zylker.com or zylkertraining.com.

    How Domain Names are Resolved via DNS

    When you type a domain name (e.g., zohodomains.com) into your browser, DNS helps your computer find the corresponding IP address so it can connect to the website. Here’s how it works:

    1. DNS Query: Your computer sends a query to a DNS server to find the IP address for the domain.
    2. DNS Resolver: The resolver checks its cache for the IP address. If not found, it forwards the request to the root nameservers.
    3. Root & TLD Nameservers: The query is passed from the root nameserver to the TLD (Top-Level Domain) nameservers (e.g., .com), and then to the authoritative nameserver for the specific domain.
    4. IP Address Returned: The authoritative nameserver sends the IP address back to your computer.
    5. Website Load: Your computer uses the IP address to connect to the web server, and the website loads.

    In short, DNS translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing your browser to access websites quickly and efficiently.

    Supported DNS records in Zoho Domains

    Zoho Domains supports the following DNS record types to help you manage website hosting, email routing, service discovery, and security configurations.

    Supported DNS records
    Record typeDescription
    ANameAn Alias or ANAME record is a type of DNS record that allows you to point a domain or subdomain to another domain name instead of an IP address. This is particularly useful for scenarios where you want to direct traffic to a dynamic IP address or when you want to simplify DNS management.
    A Record (Address Record)An A record maps a domain name (e.g., www.example.com) to an IPv4 address (e.g., 192.168.1.1). It is commonly used to point a domain or subdomain to the IP address of a web server, allowing users to access a website by typing the domain name.
    AAAA Record (IPv6 Address Record)The AAAA record maps a domain name to an IPv6 address (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334), which is used for websites and services that operate over the newer IPv6 internet addressing system.
    CNAME Record (Canonical Name Record)A CNAME record allows one domain or subdomain to point to another domain name (e.g., blog.example.com → example.wordpress.com). This is typically used to alias one domain to another, such as linking www.example.com to example.com, or for services like hosted blogs.
    MX Record (Mail Exchange Record)MX records direct email traffic to the mail servers responsible for handling email for a domain (e.g., mail.example.com). They are essential for configuring email services and ensuring email is routed to the correct mail server.
    TXT Record (Text Record)A TXT record allows domain owners to add text data to a DNS record. This is often used for domain verification purposes or to configure email security protocols like SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail).
    SRV Record (Service Record)An SRV record specifies a server and port for a particular service within a domain, such as VoIP or instant messaging services. It helps direct traffic to the right service and server, including details like the protocol and port number.

    Each DNS record type plays a critical role in managing domain-based services, including website access, email delivery, service discovery, and security validation. You can manage all supported DNS records from the Domain Management section in Zoho Domains.

    Manage DNS records

    To add or manage the DNS records for your domain:

    1. Log in to your Zoho Domains account.
    2. Navigate to My Domains and click Manage next to the required domain.
    3. Click Manage DNS to open the DNS management page.
    4. Select Manage Records to view or modify existing DNS records.
      • If the domain was recently purchased, an empty form will be displayed by default.
    5. Click Add Record to create a new DNS record.
    6. Enter the subdomain or hostname (for example, www) in the Hostname field.
    7. Select the required record type from the Type drop-down list.
    8. Provide the appropriate value for the selected record type (such as an IP address or target domain).
    9. Add additional values, if supported, by selecting Add More Value.
    10. Click Save to apply the changes.

    Once done, all DNS changes take effect after propagation, depending on TTL.

    Important Consideration

    Please note that the DNS records will only become effective if your domain is pointed to our default nameservers. If you are using custom nameservers, the records will not be applied. Ensure that your domain is set to use our nameservers for the changes to take effect.

    Import Zone file

    If you have transferred a domain to Zoho Domains and want to retain existing DNS settings, you can import your DNS configuration using a zone file.

    To import a DNS zone file:

    1. Log in to the Zoho Domains account.
    2. Navigate to the My Domains section from the top pane.
    3. Click Manage next to the required domain.
    4. Select Manage DNS on the domain management page.
    5. Click Import DNS Zone File.
    6. Select and upload the BIND zone file containing your DNS records.
    7. Click Import to apply the records.

    All records from the imported zone file will be added to your domain’s DNS configuration.

    Export Zone file

    If you wish to transfer your domain from Zoho Domains to another registrar, you can export the existing DNS configuration as a zone file.

    To export a DNS zone file:

    1. Log in to the Zoho Domains account.
    2. Navigate to the My Domains section from the top pane.
    3. Click Manage next to the required domain.
    4. Select Manage DNS on the domain management page.
    5. Click Export Zone.

    The DNS zone file will be downloaded to your local system for future use.

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