How to Set Up Custom DNS Records for Your Websites in Plesk

Managing DNS (Domain Name System) records is essential for directing internet traffic to the correct servers hosting your websites. In Plesk, a popular web hosting control panel, users can easily set up and manage Custom DNS records for their domains. These records are crucial for various operations, such as email routing, connecting subdomains, and pointing your website to the correct IP address. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of setting up custom DNS records for your websites in Plesk.

What are DNS Records?

Before diving into the specifics of setting up DNS records, let’s understand what DNS records are and why they are important. Custom DNS records are essentially instructions that tell the internet how to route traffic for a particular domain. Common types of DNS records include:

• A Record (Address Record): Maps a domain name to an IP address.
• CNAME Record (Canonical Name Record): Used to alias one domain to another.
• MX Record (Mail Exchange Record): Directs email to the correct mail server.
• TXT Record: Stores text-based information, often used for verification and security purposes (e.g., SPF, DKIM).
• NS Record (Name Server Record): Points to the authoritative nameservers for the domain.
• PTR Record (Pointer Record): Maps an IP address to a domain name (reverse DNS lookup).

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Custom DNS Records in Plesk

Step 1: Log in to Plesk

To begin, log into your Plesk control panel. Use the credentials provided by your hosting provider to access the Plesk dashboard.

Step 2: Access the DNS Settings

1. Navigate to Domains: From the Plesk dashboard, locate and click on “Websites & Domains” in the left-hand menu.
2. Select Your Domain: Find the domain for which you want to configure the DNS records and click on it.
3. Manage DNS: On the domain settings page, look for the DNS Settings option. It’s usually found in the “Hosting Settings” or under the “Advanced” section. Click on it to open the DNS records management page.

Step 3: Understand the Existing DNS Records

Before adding new records, it’s important to review the existing DNS records to avoid conflicts. The default records usually include the A record, MX record, and possibly NS records. These records are typically set by your hosting provider or domain registrar.

• The A record typically points to your server’s IP address.
• The MX record will direct emails to your email service provider.
• The NS records point to the authoritative nameservers for the domain.

Step 4: Adding a New DNS Record

1. Click “Add Record”: In the DNS Settings area, you should see a button labeled “Add Record”. Click on this to create a new DNS record.
2. Select Record Type: From the dropdown menu, choose the type of DNS record you want to add. The most common types are:
   • A Record: Choose this if you need to map your domain to an IP address.
   • CNAME Record: Choose this if you need to alias one domain to another.
   • MX Record: Choose this if you’re setting up email services.
   • TXT Record: Use this for text-based data such as SPF or DKIM.
   • SRV Record: Choose this for services like SIP, XMPP, etc.
3. Fill in the Details: Depending on the record type selected, you will need to provide specific information:
   • For A Records, input the subdomain (e.g., www) and the IP address of your server.
   • For CNAME Records, input the subdomain (e.g., blog) and the target domain (e.g., example.com).
   • For MX Records, enter the mail server address and priority.
   • For TXT Records, provide the text data, such as SPF records for email security.
   • For NS Records, enter the nameservers that should be authoritative for the domain.
4. Save the Record: After entering the appropriate data, click OK or Save to add the record to the DNS zone.

Step 5: Modify Existing DNS Records (if necessary)

If you need to update an existing Custom DNS record (e.g., change the IP address in an A record), you can do so by clicking the edit icon (usually a pencil or “Edit” button) next to the record. Update the necessary fields and save the changes.

Step 6: Delete Unnecessary DNS Records

If there are DNS records that are no longer needed or are incorrect, you can delete them. To do so, simply click the delete icon (often represented by a trash can) next to the record you wish to remove. Be cautious when deleting records, as removing essential records (like the A or MX records) can disrupt your website or email functionality.

Step 7: Apply and Propagate Changes

Once you’ve added or modified your Custom DNS records, click Update to apply the changes. Keep in mind that DNS changes may take some time to propagate throughout the internet, typically between a few minutes and 48 hours, depending on the TTL (Time To Live) settings associated with the records.

Troubleshooting DNS Records

After setting up your custom DNS records, it’s essential to ensure they are working correctly. Here are a few tips for troubleshooting:

• DNS Propagation: DNS changes can take time to propagate across the globe. Use online tools like WhatsMyDNS to check the propagation status.
• Verify with nslookup or dig: You can also use command-line tools like nslookup or dig to verify DNS settings from your local machine.
• Check TTL: If DNS changes aren’t reflected immediately, check the TTL values of your records. A lower TTL can speed up the propagation of changes.

Conclusion

Setting up custom DNS records in Plesk is a straightforward process that allows you to configure everything from web traffic routing to email handling. By following these steps, you can ensure your domain resolves correctly and serves its intended purpose. Always double-check your Custom DNS settings to prevent potential issues with your website or email services, and ensure that any changes you make are propagated successfully.