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How-To SessionComplexity: LowDNSBasics

DNS Records 101 in Cloudflare

A quick, plain-language guide to the DNS records you will see in our how-tos.

If you can follow steps carefully, you can do DNS updates. You do not need to be technical.

If your website or email is live and you feel unsure, contact 4leggedIT before making changes.

Quick Path

  • A records and CNAME records help your website point to the right place.
  • MX records control where email is delivered.
  • TXT records are often used for verification and email safety settings.

Security & Privacy

  • DNS records are public. Don’t put passwords, private URLs, or API keys in DNS.
  • Verification records (TXT/CNAME) should be shared only with trusted admins.
  • Before editing, take a screenshot so you can restore records if something breaks.
1

Step 1 — Know what the record types mean

➡ What this step does

This step explains the record types you will see most often.

You do not need to memorize them. You just need to recognize them.

📋 What to do
  1. A and AAAA: Point your website to an IP address.
  2. CNAME: Points a name to another name (an alias). Often used for `www`.
  3. MX: Tells the internet where to deliver email for your domain.
  4. TXT: A text record used for verification and email safety settings (like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC).
✅ What should happen

You can tell the difference between a website record (A/CNAME) and an email record (MX).

You know TXT records are common for verification and email configuration.

2

Step 2 — Find the DNS screen in Cloudflare

➡ What this step does

This step gets you to the correct place to view and edit records.

All changes in this guide happen in the DNS tab for the domain.

📋 What to do
  1. Log in to Cloudflare dashboard.
  2. Open the domain you want to work on.
  3. Click DNS in the left menu.
  4. You should see a list of DNS records. This is where you will add or edit records.
✅ What should happen

You can see your DNS records for the domain inside Cloudflare.

3

Step 3 — Add or edit a DNS record safely

➡ What this step does

This step shows the safe pattern for making changes.

Most problems happen when records are deleted or typed incorrectly.

📋 What to do
  1. Before you change anything, take a screenshot of the DNS page so you can restore records if needed.
  2. Click Add record.
  3. Choose the record type (A, CNAME, MX, or TXT).
  4. Fill in the name and value exactly as provided by the service you are setting up.
  5. Save the record.
  6. Wait a few minutes, then re-check. Some changes take time to show up everywhere.
✅ What should happen

You can add a record and see it in the DNS list.

You know how to avoid accidental record deletion.

4

Step 4 — Use the right record for the job

➡ What this step does

This step connects DNS record types to common rescue needs.

It helps you sanity-check what a guide is asking you to add.

📋 What to do
  1. Website setup usually involves A/AAAA or CNAME records.
  2. Email delivery usually involves MX records.
  3. Domain verification (for tools like Google) usually uses TXT or CNAME.
  4. If a guide asks you to add an MX record and you do not use domain email, stop and confirm first.
✅ What should happen

You can spot when a request seems mismatched (example: MX records when you do not use domain email).

5

Step 5 — Avoid the most common DNS mistakes

➡ What this step does

This step prevents the most common breakages we see.

A few careful checks save hours of troubleshooting.

📋 What to do
  1. Do not delete records you do not recognize. Ask for help if you are unsure.
  2. Do not mix email setups. If you switch to Google Workspace, you must use Google’s MX records.
  3. Be careful with copy/paste. Extra spaces can break TXT records.
  4. If your website is live, change one thing at a time and re-test after each change.
  5. If DNSSEC is enabled at your current provider, it usually needs to be turned off before changing nameservers. If you’re not sure, contact 4leggedIT and we’ll help you check it safely.
✅ What should happen

You know the warning signs that mean you should pause and ask for help.

Official References

Open these only if something doesn’t match your screen.

You do not need to read them to complete the guide.

Cloudflare DNS documentation Cloudflare: Create DNS records Cloudflare: DNS record types Cloudflare: CNAME records Cloudflare: MX records

Related How-To Sessions

How to Move DNS to Cloudflare (Without Transferring Your Domain)

Switch nameservers so Cloudflare becomes your DNS provider.

How to Transfer a Domain to Cloudflare

Optional: move your domain registrar into Cloudflare.

Personalized Nonprofit Email with Google Workspace

Set up real inboxes and update MX records.

Want Us to Double-Check Your DNS Records?

If your website or email is live, we can review your DNS records and help you make safe updates without disrupting day-to-day work.

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