If you own a website, business email, or hosting account, DNS is one of the most important technical settings you must understand. Even though DNS looks confusing at first, configuring it properly in cPanel can solve many common issues like website downtime, email delivery failure, and domain connection problems.
In this blog, ChennaiHost explains how to configure DNS settings in cPanel like a pro, with examples that are useful for businesses in Chennai and across India.
What is DNS and Why It Matters?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It connects your domain name (example.com) to the server where your website, emails, and services are hosted.
Think of DNS like a phone contact list:
- You type a domain name (like yourcompany.in)
- DNS finds the correct server IP address
- Your website or email loads correctly
Without proper DNS settings, your domain may not work, emails may go to spam, or your website may not open.
Where DNS Settings Are Located in cPanel
In cPanel, DNS records can be managed from:
✅ Zone Editor
(Usually found under the “Domains” section)
Steps:
- Login to cPanel
- Search for Zone Editor
- Click Manage next to your domain
Now you can edit DNS records like A, CNAME, MX, TXT, and more.
Most Important DNS Records Explained (Like a Pro)
Let’s break down the essential DNS records you will use in cPanel.
1. A Record (Connect Domain to Server IP)
A Record points your domain to your hosting server IP.
Example:
| Type | Name | Value |
|---|---|---|
| A | @ | 103.xxx.xxx.xxx |
Used for:
- Connecting domain to website hosting
- Pointing to VPS or cloud server
Pro Tip:
If your website is hosted on ChennaiHost server, the A record should match the server IP provided by ChennaiHost.
2. CNAME Record (Point Subdomains)
CNAME is used to redirect one domain name to another.
Example:
| Type | Name | Value |
|---|---|---|
| CNAME | www | yourdomain.com |
Used for:
- Making www.yourdomain.com load the same as yourdomain.com
- Connecting third-party services like Blogger, Shopify, etc.
Pro Tip:
Always keep www as a CNAME unless you have special requirements.
3. MX Record (Email Routing)
MX records control where your emails are delivered.
Example:
| Type | Name | Priority | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| MX | @ | 0 | mail.yourdomain.com |
Used for:
- Business Email
- Google Workspace
- Zoho Mail
Pro Tip for Chennai Businesses:
If you are using Google Workspace, you must replace default MX with Google MX records.
4. TXT Record (SPF, DKIM, Verification)
TXT records are used for email authentication and domain verification.
Used for:
- SPF record (email sender verification)
- DKIM (email security signature)
- DMARC (email policy)
- Google verification
- Microsoft verification
Example SPF:
| Type | Name | Value |
|---|---|---|
| TXT | @ | v=spf1 a mx ip4:xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx ~all |
Pro Tip:
Correct SPF and DKIM improve email delivery and reduce spam issues.
5. Nameserver (NS) Records
NS records decide which server controls your DNS.
If your domain uses ChennaiHost DNS, it may look like:
- ns1.chennaihost.com
- ns2.chennaihost.com
You can usually set this in your domain registrar panel, not inside cPanel.
Pro Tip:
If your domain is registered elsewhere (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.), always point the nameservers correctly to avoid DNS mismatch issues.
Step-by-Step: How to Add DNS Records in cPanel Zone Editor
Add A Record
- Go to Zone Editor
- Click Manage
- Click Add Record
- Select A
- Enter:
- Name:
@ - TTL: Default (14400 recommended)
- Address: Your server IP
- Name:
- Save
Add CNAME Record (for WWW)
- Click Add Record
- Select CNAME
- Enter:
- Name:
www - CNAME:
yourdomain.com
- Name:
- Save
Add MX Record (for Email)
- Click Add Record
- Select MX
- Enter:
- Name:
@ - Priority:
0 - Destination:
mail.yourdomain.com
- Name:
- Save
Add TXT Record (SPF / Verification)
- Click Add Record
- Select TXT
- Enter:
- Name:
@ - Record: Your TXT value
- Name:
- Save
DNS Propagation Time in India (Chennai Users Should Know)
After editing DNS, changes take time to update worldwide.
Typical propagation time:
- 5 minutes to 24 hours
- Sometimes up to 48 hours depending on ISP and cache
In India, ISPs like Airtel, Jio, BSNL may cache DNS longer.
Pro Tip:
Use low TTL (300 seconds) before making major DNS changes.
Pro DNS Configuration for Website + Email Setup
If you are hosting website in ChennaiHost and using business email, your recommended DNS setup should include:
✅ A Record → Server IP
✅ CNAME www → Domain
✅ MX Record → Mail server
✅ SPF TXT Record
✅ DKIM TXT Record
✅ DMARC TXT Record
This setup ensures:
- Website loads fast
- Emails don’t go to spam
- Proper authentication for Gmail and Outlook
How to Configure DNS for Google Workspace in cPanel
If your business uses Gmail with custom domain, add Google MX records:
| Type | Name | Priority | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| MX | @ | 1 | ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM |
| MX | @ | 5 | ALT1.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM |
| MX | @ | 5 | ALT2.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM |
| MX | @ | 10 | ALT3.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM |
| MX | @ | 10 | ALT4.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM |
Also add SPF TXT:
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all
Pro Tip:
Do not keep old MX records while using Google Workspace.
How to Configure DNS for ChennaiHost Business Email
If you’re using ChennaiHost Business Email, you may need:
- MX record pointing to mail server
- SPF record for your server
- DKIM record for secure sending
This helps Chennai businesses send professional emails like:
info@yourcompany.in
sales@yourcompany.in
Common DNS Mistakes People Make (Avoid These)
Many website owners in Chennai and India face downtime because of small DNS mistakes.
❌ 1. Using Wrong IP Address in A Record
Your website will show server not found.
❌ 2. Deleting MX Records Without Backup
Emails will stop working completely.
❌ 3. Duplicate SPF Records
SPF must be only one record. Multiple SPF entries cause email delivery issues.
❌ 4. Wrong CNAME Formatting
CNAME should point to a domain, not an IP.
❌ 5. Not Waiting for Propagation
People panic within 5 minutes, but DNS takes time.
How to Check DNS Records After Updating
You can verify DNS using:
- WhatsMyDNS.net
- DNSChecker.org
- Dig command (advanced users)
Check:
- A record
- MX record
- TXT record
Advanced Pro Tips for DNS Management in cPanel
✅ Keep TTL Low Before Migration
Before changing hosting providers, set TTL to 300 seconds 24 hours earlier.
✅ Always Take Screenshot Before Editing DNS
It helps you restore quickly if something breaks.
✅ Use DMARC to Improve Email Trust
DMARC reduces spoofing and improves email security.
Example DMARC:
v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:admin@yourdomain.com
✅ Enable Reverse DNS (rDNS) for VPS Users
If you send bulk emails, rDNS improves trust and reduces spam.
Why ChennaiHost is the Best Choice for DNS & Hosting Support in Chennai
Many hosting providers leave customers confused when DNS issues occur. At ChennaiHost, we assist you with:
- Domain pointing support
- Website DNS configuration
- Business email DNS setup
- Google Workspace DNS support
- SPF, DKIM, DMARC configuration
- cPanel hosting support for Chennai & India customers
Whether you’re running a small business, startup, school, or IT company, DNS configuration is handled professionally by our team.
Conclusion
Configuring DNS in cPanel becomes easy when you understand what each record does. A proper DNS setup ensures your website works smoothly and your emails reach inboxes without issues.
If you need expert help in Chennai or anywhere in India, ChennaiHost is ready to support you with professional DNS configuration and reliable hosting services.