Managing your DNS zone: Adjust individual DNS records for your domain
DNS management allows you to define how your domain is used technically. DNS stands for Domain Name System and, in simple terms, ensures that your domain correctly points to websites, email services or external platforms. For example, if you want to set up Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, an external email service, a website builder or a verification with a third-party provider, you often need to add, modify or remove individual DNS records.
This article explains what the DNS zone is used for, which types of DNS records are commonly used and where you can find DNS management in your CURIAWEB client area or in your cPanel hosting account.
In brief: When do I need to edit DNS records?
You usually need to edit DNS records when an external service wants to verify that you own the domain, or when your domain needs to be connected to a specific service. Typical examples include setting up Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, external email services, SPF/DKIM/DMARC records or domain verification for website, newsletter or cloud services.
Where can I find DNS Management?
If DNS Management is enabled for your domain, you can find it in the CURIAWEB client area under:
Domains -> DNS Management
There you can add or delete individual DNS records for your domain. Depending on your domain and hosting product configuration, this menu item may not be visible. In that case, the Zone Editor in your cPanel hosting is often available. The Zone Editor provides extensive options for editing the DNS zone.
What types of DNS records are there?
A DNS zone can contain different types of records. The most important record types are:
- A record: Points a domain or subdomain to an IPv4 address. This record is often used to connect a domain to a web server.
- AAAA record: Works similarly to an A record, but points to an IPv6 address.
- CNAME record: Points a subdomain to another hostname. This record is often used for services that require a technical target address.
- MX record: Defines which mail servers are responsible for receiving email for your domain. This record is especially important when using external email services.
- TXT record: Often used for verifications and email security mechanisms such as SPF, DKIM or DMARC.
- SRV record: Used by certain services to define servers and ports for specific applications.
Important notes before changing your DNS zone
Changes to DNS records can directly affect your website, email delivery or other services connected to your domain. You should therefore only edit DNS records if you know exactly which record needs to be changed and which values the respective service requires.
For example, incorrect MX records can cause emails to no longer be received correctly. Incorrect A records or CNAME records can make your website or a subdomain unavailable. Incorrect TXT records can also cause domain verification to fail or result in emails being rated less favourably by recipients.
Recommendation: Always copy DNS values exactly from the instructions provided by the relevant provider. Pay particular attention to dots, hyphens, underscores, quotation marks and complete hostnames. Even small deviations can prevent a DNS record from working as expected.
How long do DNS changes take?
DNS changes are not always visible worldwide immediately. Depending on the record, TTL value and caching DNS servers, it may take some time until a change has been adopted everywhere. In many cases, changes become visible after a short time, but it can also take longer before all DNS resolvers worldwide use the new value.
If an external provider cannot verify your domain immediately, this does not necessarily mean that the entry is incorrect. First check whether the record has been entered correctly and then wait an appropriate amount of time before making further changes.
DNS Management in the client area or Zone Editor?
If the DNS Management menu item is available in the CURIAWEB client area, you can edit your domain’s DNS records there. If this area is not displayed or if you require advanced DNS functions, please use the Zone Editor in your cPanel hosting account. This is particularly suitable if your domain is connected to cPanel web hosting and you want to make more detailed adjustments to the DNS zone.
If you are unsure which DNS record needs to be changed, we recommend contacting our support team before making any adjustments. Ideally, send us the instructions from the external provider or the specific DNS values that need to be entered. This allows us to check which changes are required and whether they match your current domain and hosting configuration.
Summary
The DNS zone is a central part of your domain management. DNS records control where your domain points, which mail servers are used and how external services can verify your domain. Use DNS Management in the CURIAWEB client area or the Zone Editor in cPanel if you want to edit individual records such as A, CNAME, MX or TXT records. If you are unsure, the CURIAWEB Support team will be happy to assist you.
