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 How to manage DNS and advanced DNS records in Network Solutions
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How to manage DNS and advanced DNS records in Network Solutions

Managing your DNS records is initially configured to work with our services, but you can modify them if you wish to use different providers for different services. For example, if you want to maintain active email services with us but host your website with another provider, you will need to transfer your domain nameservers to our managed nameservers to access the Advanced DNS Manager. This flexibility allows for tailored service configurations to meet your specific needs.

Note:
  • Managing DNS record with Network Solutions means moving to our nameservers. When you move nameservers to Network Solutions, your existing nameservers will no longer be used. As a result, websites and emails from other providers will be lost. There will also be a temporary disruption in service.
  • Domain Nameserver changes may take 24-48 hours to update throughout the internet, also called propagation. Updates may resolve faster at some locations than others because many nameservers on the internet retrieve updates at different times.

Nameservers function as crucial directories that align your domain with the corresponding IP address, fundamentally shaping how your domain operates. By updating your nameservers, you can switch control of your website and email hosting between providers.

Steps to modify your Nameservers:

  1. Log in to your account via https://www.networksolutions.com/my-account/login.
  2. Select Domains on the left side of the page.

    Left navigation, Domains option
     
  3. Select the domain name you want to change. If you only have one domain, you will be taken directly to the Domain details page.
  4. On the domain page, go down to the Advanced Tools section.

    Domains, then Advanced Tools
     
  5. Click Manage next to Nameservers (DNS).

    Advanced Tools, Manage Nameservers (DNS)
     
  6. Enter your nameservers, then click Save.

You have updated your nameservers.

Nameserver (NS) records for subdomains determine which DNS server controls the records for a domain. Pointing a subdomain host to a different nameserver allows another DNS service to manage how records for that subdomain are handled.

Follow the steps below when you are ready to change or modify the NS record.

  1. Log in to your account via https://www.networksolutions.com/my-account/login.
  2. Select Domains on the left side of the page.

    Left navigation, Domains option
     
  3. Select the domain name you want to change. If you only have one domain, you will be taken directly to the Domain details page.
  4. On the domain page, go down to the Advanced Tools section.

    Domains, then Advanced Tools
     
  5. Click Manage next to Advanced DNS Records.

    Manage Advance DNS Records
     
    1. To add records: Click +Add Record. A new window will open.
    2. To edit records: Scroll down to the NS Record and click the pencil icon. A new window will open.
       
  6. Add the Subdomain, add the Nameserver, then select the TTL. The TTL default is 7200 (2 hours).

    Add Advanced DNS Records, Select NS in the dropdown
     
  7. Repeat these steps for each subdomain and nameserver.
  8. Click the Add button. If you are editing records, then click the Edit button.

You have successfully changed the NS record.

 

To update your NS records in the classic view, follow the steps below:

  1. Follow steps 1 to 5 above, then click the Classic View link.

    Classic view option
     
  2. Scroll down to the Nameserver (NS) Records for Subdomains section, then click the EDIT NS RECORDS button.

    Edit NS records button in classic view
     
  3. On the page that opens, you can add or edit your NS Records.

    Edit NS records in classic view
     
  4. Add or edit the Subdomain, and then the Nameserver.
  5. Repeat the steps for each subdomain and nameserver.
  6. Click Save to continue.
  7. Click Save Changes to confirm the requested DNS changes.

You have changed your NS Records.

The IP address is represented by the Address Record (A Record), which is used to map a domain or subdomain to its numeric IP address. The A Record resolves a domain name or points it to the correct location using the IP address.

  1. Log in to your account via https://www.networksolutions.com/my-account/login.
  2. Select Domains on the left side of the page.

    Left navigation, Domains options
     
  3. Select the domain name you want to change. If you only have one domain, you will be taken directly to the Domain details page.
  4. On the domain page, go down to the Advanced Tools section.

    Domains, then Advanced Tools
     
  5. Click Manage next to Advanced DNS Records.

    Advanced Tools, Manage Advanced DNS Records
     
  6. A new page will open.

    Manage Advanced DNS Records
     
    1. To Add Records: Click +Add Record. A new window will open.
    2. To Edit Records: Scroll down to the A Record you want to manage and click the pencil icon. A new window will open.
       
      • To point your domain to an under-construction page, enter the IP Address 205.178.189.129.
         
  7. Select Refers to from the drop-down menu. You can choose @, www, or Other Host.
     
    • If you select Other Host, you will be asked to enter the Host Name. This could be something like a star (*).
       
    Add Advanced DNS Records, then select A in the dropdown
     
  8. Next, enter the IP Address in Points to and select the TTL. The TTL default is 7200 (2 hours).
  9. Click the Add button. If you are editing records, click the Edit button.

You have changed the IP Address for A Records.

 

To update your A records in the classic view, follow the steps below:

  1. Follow steps 1 to 5 above, then click the Classic View link.

    Classic view option
     
  2. Under IP Address (A Records), click the EDIT A RECORDS button.

    Edit A records button in classic view
     
  3. On the page that opens, you can add or edit your A Records.

    Edit A records in classic view
     
  4. You will have the following options:
     
    1. To remove and replace existing Numeric IP addresses, select the box next to each A Record you need to delete, then click Continue.
    2. To add the new Host and Numeric IP addresses or update the existing Numeric IP addresses, enter the appropriate information in the text boxes.
    3. If needed, modify the TTL settings, then click the Continue button. The TTL default is 7200.
       
  5. A confirmation page appears that verifies your records were updated. Review the information carefully, then click the Save Changes button.

You have changed the IP Address for A Records.

The IPv6 address is mapped using the AAAA Record, which links the domain's nameserver or hostname to its numeric IP address. While the A Record resolves a domain name by pointing it to the correct IPv4 address, the AAAA Record facilitates the redirection of your host from one IPv6 address to another.

To add an IPv6 AAAA (quad-A) record, please log into your Network Solutions account and follow the provided steps. Your request will be thoroughly reviewed, authenticated, and processed within 24 to 48 business hours.

  1. Log in to your account via https://www.networksolutions.com/my-account/login.
  2. Select Domains on the left side of the page.

    Left navigation, Domains options
     
  3. Select the domain name you want to change. If you only have one domain, you will be taken directly to the Domain details page.
  4. On the domain page, go down to the Advanced Tools section.

    Domains, then Advanced Tools
     
  5. Click Manage next to Advanced DNS Records.

    Advanced Tools, Manage Advanced DNS Records
     
  6. A new page will open.

    Manage Advanced DNS Records
     
    1. To add records: Click +Add Record. A new window will open.
    2. To edit records: Scroll down to the AAAA Record you want to manage and click the pencil icon. A new window will open.
       
  7. Select Refers to from the drop-down menu. You can choose @, www, or Other Host.
     
    • If you select Other Host, you will be asked to enter the Host Name. This could be something like a star (*).
       
    Add Advanced DNS Record, then select AAAA in the dropdown
     
  8. Next, enter the IP Address in Points to and select the TTL. The TTL default is 7200 (2 hours).
  9. Click the Add button. If you are editing records, click the Edit button.

You have successfully changed the IP Address for the AAAA Records.

 

To update your AAAA records in the classic view, follow the steps below:

  1. Follow steps 1 to 5 above, then click the Classic View link.

    Classic view option
     
  2. Scroll down to the IPV6 Address (AAAA Records), then click the EDIT AAAA RECORDS button.

    Edit AAAA records button in classic view
     
  3. On the page that opens, you can add or edit your AAAA Records.

    Edit AAAA records in classic view
     
  4. You will have the following options:
     
    1. To remove and replace existing Numeric IP addresses, select the box next to each A Record you need to delete, then click Continue.
    2. To add the new Host and Numeric IP addresses or update the existing Numeric IP addresses, enter the appropriate information in the text boxes.
    3. If needed, modify the TTL settings, then click the Continue button. The TTL default is 7200.
       
  5. A confirmation page appears that verifies your records were updated. Review the information carefully, then click the Save Changes button.

You have changed the IP Address for AAAA Records.

Mail Exchange Records (MX Records) establish mail routes for a domain name. Each domain can have multiple mail routes, each assigned a priority number. The route with the lowest number designates the primary server responsible for handling the domain's email. Higher-numbered servers act as backups. Without MX Records, a domain would be unable to receive email messages.

  1. Log in to your account via https://www.networksolutions.com/my-account/login.
  2. Select Domains on the left side of the page.

    Left navigation, Domains options
     
  3. Select the domain name you want to change. If you only have one domain, you will be taken directly to the Domain details page.
  4. On the domain page, go down to the Advanced Tools section.

    Domains, then Advanced Tools
     
  5. Click Manage next to Advanced DNS Records.

    Advanced Tools, Manage Advanced DNS Records
     
  6. A new page will open.

    Manage Advanced DNS Records
     
    1. To Add Records: Click +Add Record. A new window will open.
    2. To Edit Records: Scroll down to the MX Record you want to manage and click the pencil icon. A new window will open.
       
  7. Select Refers to from the drop-down menu. You can choose @, www, or Other Host.
     
    • If you select Other Host, you will be asked to enter the Host Name.
       
    Add Advanced DNS Record, then select MX in the dropdown
     
  8. Enter your mail server in the Mail Server field.
  9. Next, enter the Priority and TTL. The TTL default is 7200 (2 hours).
  10. Click the Add button. If you are editing records, click the Edit button.

You have successfully changed the mail server for MX Records.

 

To update your MX records in the classic view, follow the steps below:

  1. Follow steps 1 to 5 above, then click the Classic View link.

    Classic view option
     
  2. Scroll down to the Mail Servers (MX Records) section and click the EDIT MX RECORDS button.

    Edit MX Records button in the classic view
     
  3. On the page that opens, you can add or edit your MX Records.

    Edit MX Records in the classic view
     
  4. You will have the following options:
     
    1. To remove existing Mail Servers (MX Records), select the box next to each Mail Server you need to delete, then click Continue.
    2. To edit pre-existing Mail Servers (MX Records), enter the Priority number (10 through 90) and the Mail Server in the text boxes.
    3. To add new Mail Servers (MX Records), enter the Priority number (10 through 90) and the Mail Serverin the text boxes. If needed, modify the TTL settings, then click Save. The TTL default is 7200.
       
  5. A confirmation page appears that verifies your records were updated. Review the information carefully, then click the Save Changes button.

You have changed the mail server for MX Records.

A CNAME (Canonical Name) Record is a type of DNS record that creates an alias for a domain, allowing traffic for that domain name to be redirected. CNAME records can only be created for third-level domains due to limitations in the Advanced DNS Manager, which does not support alias creation for second-level domains.

Creating a CNAME for a second-level domain could lead to conflicts with other records, potentially disrupting email or website services. If you need to redirect traffic for a second-level domain, consider exploring our Web Forwarding product for a suitable solution.

  1. Log in to your account via https://www.networksolutions.com/my-account/login.
  2. Select Domains on the left side of the page.

    Left navigation, Domains options
     
  3. Select the domain name you want to change. If you only have one domain, you will be taken directly to the Domain details page.
  4. On the domain page, go down to the Advanced Tools section.

    Domains, then Advanced Tools
     
  5. Click Manage next to Advanced DNS Records.

    Advanced Tools, Manage Advanced DNS Records
     
  6. A new page will open.

    Manage Advanced DNS Records
     
    1. To Add Records: Click +Add Record. A new window will open.
    2. To Edit Records: Scroll down to the CNAME Record you want to manage and click the pencil icon. A new window will open.
       
  7. Select Refers to from the drop-down menu. You can choose @, www, or Other Host.
     
    • If you select Other Host, you will be asked to enter the Host Name (such as mail, SMTP, autodiscover,@, IMAP, or POP).
       
    Add Advanced DNS Record, then select CNAME in the drowdown
     
  8. Enter the Alias to (hostname). This will typically look like a domain name.
  9. Next, enter the TTL value. The TTL default is 7200 (2 hours).
  10. Click the Add button. If you are editing records, click the Edit button.

You have successfully changed the host alias for CNAME Records.

 

To update your CNAME records in the classic view, follow the steps below:

  1. Follow steps 1 to 5 above, then click the Classic View link.

    Classic view option
     
  2. Scroll down to the Host Aliases (CNAME Records) section and click the EDIT CNAME RECORDS button.

    Edit CNAME Records button in the classic view
     
  3. On the page that opens, you can add or edit your CNAME Records.

    Edit CNAME Records in the classic view
     
  4. You will have the following options:
     
    1. Type the new Aliases or update the existing Aliases in the Alias text boxes. If needed, modify the TTL settings. The TTL default is 7200.
    2. Select one of the two:
       
      • Refers to Host Name to alias another record assigned to this domain. Select the hostname from the drop-down box under the Host Name button.
      • Other Host to alias another domain. The information entered in this field must be a domain name. It cannot be an IP address or a specific directory.
         
  5. A confirmation page appears that verifies your records were updated. Review the information carefully, then click the Save Changes button.

You have changed the host alias for the CNAME records.

TXT records serve multiple functions, one of the most common being the creation of a Sender Policy Framework (SPF). SPF records are crucial for preventing email spammers from forging the "From" fields in emails. They let the domain owner specify which IP addresses are authorized to send email on the domain's behalf.

Need help creating an SPF TXT record? Visit the Sender Policy Framework Tools website for guidance.

Another important use of TXT records is to implement Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC). DMARC leverages DNS to publish policies on how an email from a domain should be handled, whether to take no action, quarantine the message, or reject it outright.

Note: If you have a hosting package or website with Network Solutions that includes a Contact Form, please update or edit your existing SPF record to the following:
v=spf1 include:spf.registeredsite.com include:spf.cloudus.oxcs.net ~all

It is important to remember that only one SPF record is allowed per domain. Having multiple SPF records can disrupt your email functionality.

  1. Log in to your account via https://www.networksolutions.com/my-account/login.
  2. Select Domains on the left side of the page.

    Left navigation, Domains options
     
  3. Select the domain name you want to change. If you only have one domain, you will be taken directly to the Domain details page.
  4. On the domain page, go down to the Advanced Tools section.

    Domains, then Advanced Tools
     
  5. Click Manage next to Advanced DNS Records.

    Advanced Tools, Manage Advanced DNS Records
     
  6. A new page will open.

    Manage Advanced DNS Records
     
    1. To Add Records: Click +Add Record. A new window will open.
    2. To Edit Records: Scroll down to the TXT Record you want to manage and click the pencil icon. A new window will open.
       
  7. Select Refers to from the drop-down menu. You can choose @, www, or Other Host.
     
    • If you select Other Host, you will be asked to enter the Host Name.
       
    Add Advanced DNS Record, then select TXT in the dropdown
     
  8. Enter the TXT Value into the field. You will need the entire TXT Value you were given.
  9. Enter the TTL value. The TTL default is 7200 (2 hours).
  10. Click the Add button. If you are editing records, click the Edit button.

You have changed the TXT records for the Sender Policy Framework.

 

To update your TXT records in the classic view, follow the steps below:

  1. Follow steps 1 to 5 above, then click the Classic View link.

    Classic view option
     
  2. Scroll down to the Text (TXT Records) section and click the EDIT TXT RECORDS button.

    Edit TXT Records button in the classic view
     
  3. On the page that opens, you can add or edit your TXT Records.

    Edit TXT Records in the classic view
     
  4. Type a new Hostname or 3rd Level name under the Host field and insert your TXT record in the Text box on the right-hand side of the page, then click the Continue button.
  5. A confirmation page appears that verifies your records were updated. Review the information carefully, then click the Save Changes button.

You have changed the TXT records for the Sender Policy Framework.

Service Records (SRV records) enable users to locate specific services within a network rather than identify individual machines. Unlike A Records, which are used to find a specific server or host, SRV records identify services available on the network, such as printers, VoIP systems, FTP services, and more. This functionality is like MX Records direct email traffic, but SRV records are designed for a broader range of network services.

  1. Log in to your account via https://www.networksolutions.com/my-account/login.
  2. Select Domains on the left side of the page.

    Left navigation, Domains options
     
  3. Select the domain name you want to change. If you only have one domain, you will be taken directly to the Domain details page.
  4. On the domain page, go down to the Advanced Tools section.

    Domains, then Advanced Tools
     
  5. Click Manage next to Advanced DNS Records.

    Advanced Tools, Manage Advanced DNS Records
     
  6. A new page will open.

    Manage Advanced DNS Records
     
    1. To Add Records: Click +Add Record. A new window will open.
    2. To Edit Records: Scroll down to the SRV Record you want to manage and click the pencil icon. A new window will open.
       
  7. Enter the following information in each field.
     
    1. Service: The name of the service needed (such as _autodiscover).
    2. Protocol: The protocol of the desired service, usually either TCP or UDP.
    3. Weight: A relative weight for records with the same priority. Determines which of the records with the same priority are delivered more frequently. Enter the proportional volume of traffic as a percentage.
    4. Port: The TCP or UDP port on which the service will be found. The port can be any number between 0 and 65535.
    5. Target: The name of the machine providing the service.
    6. TTL: The standard time to live field. The TTL default is 7200 (2 hours).
    7. Priority: The priority of the target host; lower value means more preferred. The priority can be any number between 0 and 65535.

      Add Advanced DNS Records, then select SRV in the dropdown
       
  8. Click the Add button. If you are editing records, then click the Edit button.

You have successfully changed the Service Record.

 

To update your SRV records in the classic view, follow the steps below:

  1. Follow steps 1 to 5 above, then click the Classic View link.

    Classic view option
     
  2. Scroll down to the Service (SRV Records) section and click the EDIT SRV RECORDS button.

    Edit SRV Records button in the classic view
     
  3. On the page that opens, you can add or edit your SRV Records.

    Edit SRV Records in the classic view
     
  4. You will have the following options:
     
    1. To remove the existing Service (SRV Records), select the box next to each Service (SRV Record) to delete, then click Continue.
    2. To add Service (SRV Records), enter the additional options based on the type of SRV Records being added.
       
      • Service: The name refers to the desired service.
      • Target: The name of the machine providing the service.
      • Port: The TCP or UDP port on which the service will be found. The port can be any number between 0 and 65535.
      • Weight: A relative weight for records with the same priority. Determines which of the records with the same priority are delivered more frequently. Enter the proportional volume of traffic as a percent.
      • Priority: The priority of the target host. Lower value means more preferred. The priority can be any number between 0 and 65535.
      • TTL: The standard time to live.
      • Name: The domain name for which this record is valid.
      • Protocol: The protocol of the desired service, usually either TCP or UDP.
         
  5. A confirmation page appears that verifies your records were updated. Review the information carefully, then click the Save Changes button.

You have changed the Service Records.

Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) provide an additional layer of security for your domain. DNSSEC utilizes a digital signature to ensure that the domain resolution process is secure, safeguarding against unauthorized changes.

Important:
  • For domain names registered with us and are using our nameservers, you can enable and disable DNSSEC records of your domain through your Account Manager, as shown below.
  • For domain names registered with us but using third-party DNS services, please verify first whether DNSSEC is enabled with your DNS provider. If it's disabled on their end, this may cause issues with pulling up your website. If you choose to continue using DNSSEC, you may contact us to have your records, which are provided by your DNS provider, entered.
If you are having issues with the propagation or resolution of your domain name, we suggest temporarily disabling DNSSEC and continuing to troubleshoot the associated records.
  • Why should you consider DNSSEC? It offers enhanced protection against attacks like cache poisoning, which can misdirect traffic and compromise data.
  • How to enable DNSSEC? Simply use the toggle located at the bottom of your domain management page to activate this feature.

    Advanced Tools, DNSSEC option
     
  • Why can't I see the option to turn it on? DNSSEC is only available for .COM/.NET/.INFO/.ORG/.BIZ domains currently.
Note: Advanced DNS updates may take up to 2 hours to fully propagate. The speed at which updates are applied can vary because nameservers across the internet retrieve updates at different times. Some locations may experience faster resolution than others.

Certificate Authority Authorization (CAA) records enable you to specify which certificate authorities (CAs) are permitted to issue certificates for your domain. This control helps ensure that only authorized CAs can issue certificates for your domain or subdomains. Your security certificate provider can provide specific guidance on what to include in your CAA record.

  1. Log in to your account via https://www.networksolutions.com/my-account/login.
  2. Select Domains on the left side of the page.

    Left navigation, Domains options
     
  3. Select the domain name you want to change. If you only have one domain, you will be taken directly to the Domain details page.
  4. On the domain page, go down to the Advanced Tools section.

    Domains, then Advanced Tools
     
  5. Click Manage next to Advanced DNS Records.

    Advanced Tools, Manage Advanced DNS Records
     
  6. A new page will open.

    Manage Advanced DNS Records
     
    1. To add records: Click +Add Record. A new window will open.
    2. To edit records: Scroll down to the CAA Record you want to manage and click the pencil icon. A new window will open.
       
  7. Enter the following information in each field.
     
    • Flag: Number between 0 and 255.
    • Tag: Specifies the property you want to associate with the value (issue, issuewild).
    • Value: This is typically the domain of your security provider.
       
      Important:
      • Use sectigo.com if you're working with Sectigo directly or via a channel where Sectigo is the primary issuing CA. This is the most common scenario and aligns with Sectigo's root CA authority.
      • Use trust-provider.com if your SSL certificates are issued through Sectigo's partner or reseller, like Network Solutions, which operates through that domain. This ensures that CAs issuing certificates under the trust-provider.com namespace are properly authorized.
    • TTL: The time to live for the record to be saved by the resolver. The TTL default is 7200 (2 hours).
       
    Add Advanced DNS Record, then select CAA in the dropdown
     
  8. Click the Add button. If you are editing records, then click the Edit button.

You have successfully changed the CAA Record.

Note: Classic View does not provide an option to add or edit a CAA record.

Important: If you have Cloud Mail, this feature is not available for your account.

DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) enhances email security by adding a digital signature to outgoing messages, authenticating that the email address is legitimate. The DMARC policy informs recipients that your messages are protected by DKIM and specifies actions to take if messages fail authentication, are flagged as junk, or are rejected.

Configuring your DMARC policy requires an email address, which will be used to receive reports on authenticated messages and those flagged for issues, including the reasons for such flags. This email must be from the same domain as the DKIM domain. If it is from a different domain, you must publish a DNS report record to enable it to receive reports from another domain. For instructions on configuring DKIM and DMARC, please refer to How to Set Up DKIM and DMARC.

Note: If your domain is not hosted on our nameservers, click the link labeled View DNS TXT Record Information after enabling DKIM. You will need to provide these records to your nameserver host.

 

Having Trouble? If you're having trouble with your DNS, visit How to Troubleshoot DNS Problems.

 

Review

DNS records are like the address book for your website. They tell visitors where to find your website and email. You can change your DNS records through your Network Solutions account. Changing your DNS records can affect your website and email. There are different types of DNS records, including A records, MX records, and CNAME records. Each type of record points to a different part of your website or email.

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