When you own a website, dns management becomes a skill you’ll need. It shapes how people reach your site, receive your emails, or even launch a subdomain.
With the right steps, you’ll feel in full control of your online presence.
In this post, you’ll learn exactly what dns management means, how it works, and see real-world examples. Every concept gets broken down so you can take action with confidence.
You’ll also see how to manage records like A, CNAME, MX, TXT, and NS. And I’ll show you how to test setups and fix issues if they crop up. Let’s get started.
Why Dns Management Matters
Dns management helps you:
- Launch your website by pointing your domain to the correct server
- Set up email with services like Google Workspace
- Connect third-party tools, such as Shopify or Mailchimp
- Improve security by adding SPF, DKIM and DMARC records
- Organize your site using clear subdomains (e.g., blog, shop)
When handled well, dns management ensures your domain points exactly where it should.
Minor mistakes? They can break your website or email. But once you know how it works, you’ll be able to fix things fast.
Common Dns Record Types
A Record
A record maps your domain to an IP address, like 45.90.120.87. It’s what tells the web where to find your website.
CNAME Record
CNAME record points a subdomain to another domain. For example, tools.yourdomain.co.ke could point to tools-service.provider.com.
MX Record
MX record sets where your domain’s email goes. For example, ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM for Google Workspace.
TXT Record
TXT record holds extra info, like email authentication (v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all) or site ownership verification.
NS Record
NS record defines which servers manage your domain’s DNS. You’ll update this if you switch to a DNS specialist like Cloudflare.
How to Manage DNS Settings
Step 1: Open Your Dns Dashboard
- Log into your domain registrar or hosting provider
- Find Manage DNS, DNS Settings, or Zone Editor
Step 2: Add or Change a Record
- Choose the record type (A, CNAME, MX, etc.)
- Set the host (e.g.,
@for root,www, orblog) - Enter the value (IP address, domain name, or text)
- Save the change
Step 3: Wait for Propagation
Dns updates take time. Usually they appear in 5 minutes to 1 hour. But wait up to 48 hours for full global updates.
Step 4: Verify Your Changes
Tools like Whatsmydns.net, MxToolbox, or dig on the command line help confirm your updates have taken effect.
Real-World DNS Management Examples
Example A: Point Domain to Hosting
To connect yourdomain.co.ke to your hosting:
| Record Type | Host | Value |
|---|---|---|
| A | @ | 101.312.144.0/24 |
This directs users straight to your website’s server.
Example B: Configure Google Workspace Email
| Record Type | Host | Value |
|---|---|---|
| MX | @ | ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM (priority 1) |
| TXT | @ | v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all |
| TXT | @ | google-site-verification=XYZ12345 |
This ensures your emails get delivered correctly and verified by Google.
Example C: Point a Subdomain
For tools.yourdomain.co.ke:
| Record Type | Host | Value |
|---|---|---|
| CNAME | tools | tools-service.provider.com |
This connects the tools subdomain to its unique platform.
Best Practices for Smooth Dns Management
- Keep hosts logical (e.g., blog, shop, app)
- Download backups of your DNS zone before major changes
- Delete unused records after migrations
- Implement email security (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
- Label records clearly to avoid confusion later
Clear naming and maintenance prevent errors and ease troubleshooting.
Where To Manage DNS In Kenya
If you’re in Kenya, Truehost Kenya gives you:
- Clean, free DNS management dashboard
- Guided setup for domains and records
- Local support via live chat
- Easy transfer to third-party DNS services by updating NS records
Final Thoughts
With dns management, you hold the key to controlling your website, email, and app connections. Mistakes can be costly, but each step broken down here gives you clarity.