What A record means
The A record is usually what sends visitors from your domain to your web server. Updating it is a key step when moving hosts. Lowering the TTL before a move helps the change take effect faster.
Why it matters for your website
If your A record points to the wrong server, your website simply does not load, no matter how good it looks. It is often the record you change when moving hosts, so getting it right decides whether a launch goes smoothly or ends in a scramble with a site that has vanished.
Example
A bakery moves its site to a new host. The owner logs into the domain's DNS settings and updates the A record for the root domain to the new server's IP address, and the site starts loading from the new host.
Tips
- Write down your current DNS records before changing anything, so you can roll back quickly.
- Lower the record's TTL a day ahead of a planned move to speed up the switch.
- Keep email records like MX untouched unless you are also moving email.
Common mistakes
- Editing DNS at the registrar when the domain actually uses a different DNS provider.
- Pointing the root domain correctly but forgetting the www version.
Questions about A record
What is A record?
A DNS record that points a domain or subdomain to a specific IPv4 server address.
How long does it take for an A record change to work?
It depends on the record's TTL and how long resolvers cache it. Many changes show up within minutes to a few hours, though some visitors may see the old server for longer.
Should I use an A record or a CNAME for my website?
The root domain usually needs an A record because standard DNS does not allow a CNAME there. Subdomains like www can often use a CNAME pointing to your host's address, which follows any IP changes automatically.
