How to Add a CNAME Record to Your Domain

Created by MJ Sagum, Modified on Fri, 13 Feb at 5:12 PM by MJ Sagum

Overview


A CNAME (Canonical Name) record allows you to alias one domain or subdomain to another. This is commonly used for email verification, custom apps, or pointing subdomains to external services. 



Steps to Add a CNAME Record


1. Log in to Your DNS Provider

  • Access your domain registrar or hosting provider account (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, Bluehost).

  • Navigate to DNS Management, Zone Editor, or DNS Settings.


2. Locate the Option to Add a New Record

  • Look for Add Record, Create Record, or Add DNS Record.


3. Select Record Type

  • Choose CNAME from the record type list.


4. Enter the Record Details

Field

Description

Example

Name / Host / Alias

The subdomain you want to point

www → creates www.yourdomain.com

Value / Points To / Target

The domain it should resolve to

example.provider.com

TTL (Time To Live)

Optional; default usually fine

3600 seconds (1 hour)


5. Save the Record

  • Click Save, Add Record, or Update DNS depending on your provider.


6. Wait for DNS Propagation

  • Changes can take a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate fully worldwide.


7. Verify the CNAME Record

  • You can use your online  DNS checker tool or a command line check:

nslookup -type=CNAME subdomain.yourdomain.com

  • The returned target should match the value you entered.


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