If you’re setting up a website, you’ve probably seen the term DNS tossed around.
Maybe during domain registration, web hosting, or when trying to make email work.
But what is DNS exactly? How does it work? And why should you care?
In this guide, you’ll learn what DNS means, how it works, and see real DNS examples that simplify all the tech jargon.
By the end, you’ll be confident handling your own DNS records without calling for help.
What is DNS?
DNS stands for Domain Name System.
It’s the technology that connects domain names (like example.com) to the actual servers that store your website or email data.
Here’s a simple way to understand it:
DNS is like your phone’s contact list. Instead of remembering numbers (IP addresses), you just click on names (domain names).
So when someone types marketing.ke, DNS tells their browser where that website lives — usually by pointing to an IP address like 41.89.12.130.
Why DNS matters for your website
You need DNS to:
- Make your website accessible through your domain name
- Set up professional emails like
[email protected] - Connect to services like Shopify, Google Workspace, or Mailchimp
- Enable SSL certificates and security features
Without DNS, your domain name is just a label — it doesn’t know where to go or what to show.
How DNS works step-by-step
Here’s what happens behind the scenes when someone visits your site:
- They type your domain (e.g.
calculator.co.ke) into a browser - The browser asks the DNS system, “Where do I find this site?”
- DNS replies with the IP address (like
102.67.152.80) - The browser goes to that IP and loads the website
- All this happens in milliseconds
That whole process is called a DNS lookup.
DNS examples you’ll actually use
Let’s break down common DNS records you’ll manage for your domain.
| Record type | What it does | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A | Points your domain to a server IP | A → calculator.co.ke → 102.67.152.80 |
| CNAME | Points a subdomain to another domain | blog.moneyspace.ke → moneyspace.ke |
| MX | Directs your domain’s email to a server | MX → mailhost.google.com |
| TXT | Adds text info like email verification or SPF | TXT → v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com |
| NS | Defines which DNS servers control your domain | NS → ns1.cloudoon.com |
Real-world use cases
1) Connecting your domain to hosting
Let’s say you’ve bought your domain from Truehost Kenya, but you’re hosting your site on Hostinger. You’ll need to update the A record to point to Hostinger’s server IP.
A → yourdomain.co.ke → 45.90.120.87
Now, when someone visits your domain, DNS tells the browser to fetch the site from Hostinger.
2) Setting up business email with Google Workspace
You want to use Gmail with your domain, like [email protected].
You’ll add:
- MX records from Google
- A TXT record to verify domain ownership
- Optional SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for better email deliverability
MX → ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM (priority 1)
TXT → v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all
Without correct DNS setup, your emails might never arrive—or get flagged as spam.
3) Using subdomains for services
Let’s say you’re building tools under a subdomain like:
tools.moneyspace.ke
You could point this subdomain to another server or platform using a CNAME:
CNAME → tools.moneyspace.ke → moneytools.hosting.net
This keeps things organized while separating services like blogs, stores, or apps.
Where to manage DNS records
You usually update DNS through your:
- Domain registrar (like Truehost, GoDaddy, or Namecheap)
- Hosting provider (like HostPinnacle, Bluehost, etc.)
- DNS-only providers (like Cloudflare)
Every provider has a control panel where you can edit your domain’s DNS zone. Just find the “Manage DNS” section, and you’ll see a list of existing records.
How long do DNS changes take?
This is called DNS propagation — and it usually takes:
- 5 minutes to 1 hour for most changes
- Up to 48 hours globally, depending on ISP caches
So if your site or email doesn’t update right away, don’t panic. Give it time.
Use Truehost Kenya for easy DNS control
If you want a domain registrar that gives you full DNS control, check out Truehost Kenya.
You’ll get:
- Free DNS management
- A clean dashboard to add, edit, or delete DNS records
- Easy guides for email setup, subdomains, and hosting
- Live chat support if you ever get stuck
Final thoughts on DNS
DNS may look complex, but once you get the basics, it becomes one of your most powerful tools. It controls how your domain connects to your website, emails, and services.
Start small. Update one record. Test it. Once you get used to it, managing your online presence becomes a lot easier.
Want help with DNS for your domain? Drop the domain name and what you’re trying to connect — I’ll walk you through the exact steps.