This guide will explain how to add an A record for the primary domain and also add a www. CNAME record. It is advisable to set a domains DNS records like this as when updating the IP address for the site, it will automatically update the www. record
If a hosting provider advises that the CNAME should be different it is advisable to follow their advice, this guide is designed to show the default way of configuring DNS and can be seen as the industry standard for configuring an A record and WWW record
TL;DR A records can be added in cPanel via cPanel > Zone Editor > Manage > Add “A” Record > Save Record and CNAME records can be added in cPanel via cPanel > Zone Editor > Manage > Add “CNAME” Record > Save Record
Requirements
To complete this will require having a cPanel account and a domain that requires it’s A record configuring. There should only be one of these records, so if these records already exist they should either be updated or deleted and re-added
How to add a Domains A record and WWW record into DNS using cPanels Zone Editor
Step-by-Step Guide
1/ Search for Zone Editor
In cPanel search for ‘Zone Editor’ in the top right search bar and click on Zone Editor from the search results
2/ Click on Manage
The Zone Editor will show all domains inside the cPanel account, locate the Domain requiring the MX record adding and click Manage on the right hand side
3/ Add A Record
In the Zone Editor there is dropdown menu next to the Add Record option, click the dropdown arrow and select add ‘A’ Record from the list of options
4/ Add A Record Details
In the name column enter the domain without WWW and with a trailing full-stop (period) and in the record column enter the server IP followed by clicking Save Record
5/ Cpanel Confirmation
cPanel will confirm A record has been added successfully. It is advisable to wait up to 24-72 hours to allow for DNS Propagation
6/ Add CNAME Record
In the Zone Editor there is dropdown menu next to the Add Record option, click the dropdown arrow and select add ‘CNAME’ Record from the list of options
7/ Add CNAME Record Details
In the name column www. including a trailing full-stop (period) and in the record column enter the primary domain without the WWW including a trailing full-stop (period) followed by clicking Save Record
8/ Cpanel Confirmation
cPanel will confirm the CNAME record has been added successfully. It is advisable to wait up to 24-72 hours to allow for DNS Propagation
Video Tutorial
Summary
The A record and WWW record for a website should now be working and if future changes are made to the sites A record then the www. record will automatically update
