How to Add an A Record in cPanel
When it comes to managing DNS for your domain, one of the most common tasks is adding an A record. This type of record allows you to map a domain (or subdomain) to a specific IP address, ensuring that visitors to your site reach the correct server.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to create an A record using the cPanel control panel — a common feature available in RackNerd’s shared and reseller hosting services.
What Is an A Record?
An A record (short for Address Record) is a type of DNS record used to connect a domain name with an IPv4 address. It tells browsers where to go when someone types in your domain or subdomain. For example, if you’re setting up a subdomain like blog.yourwebsite.com, an A record will direct that request to the correct server IP address where your blog is hosted.
If your domain is using RackNerd’s DNS (such as when it’s managed via cPanel), you’ll be able to manage these records directly from your account.
Let’s go over the steps.
Step-by-Step: Adding an A Record in cPanel
Step 1: Log into cPanel
From your RackNerd account dashboard, click on Login to cPanel next to the hosting service you want to manage. This will bring you to your hosting account’s control panel.
Step 2: Open the Zone Editor
Once inside cPanel, scroll down to the Domains section and click on the Zone Editor icon. You can also use the search bar at the top to locate it faster.
Step 3: Select the Domain
Find the domain you want to modify. Next to it, under the Actions column, click on + A Record to begin the process of adding a new A record.
Step 4: Enter the A Record Details
In the “Add an A Record” form, fill in the following:
- Name: This is the subdomain or hostname. For example, if you’re creating blog.yourdomain.com, enter blog (or the full subdomain depending on your setup).
- Address: Enter the IP address that this hostname should point to. This should be the IP of the server or application you’re directing traffic to.
Double-check the IP address to ensure accuracy.
Step 5: Add the Record
Click on Add an A Record to save the changes. Once submitted, the new record will be added to your domain’s DNS zone file.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- DNS Propagation: Changes to DNS typically propagate within minutes, but in some cases, it can take up to 24–48 hours globally.
- External DNS Providers: If you’re using a third-party DNS provider like Cloudflare, you’ll need to make these changes directly on their platform instead of in cPanel.
- Subdomains: You can use A records to point subdomains to different IP addresses — useful for services like apps, blogs, or staging environments.
Final Thoughts
That’s all there is to it! Adding an A record is a quick and essential task that gives you direct control over where your domain or subdomains are routed. Whether you’re launching a new app or setting up a custom subdomain, managing your DNS effectively is a key part of hosting.
At RackNerd, all of our shared and reseller hosting plans include cPanel access — making it easy to handle DNS configurations without needing to contact support. If you’re looking for a hosting platform that gives you both control and reliability, explore our hosting plans at RackNerd.com.
Need help or have questions? Our support team is available 24×7 and is always happy to assist.
