What is a CNAME record?
A CNAME is a DNS record that makes one name an alias of another name. A provider might use it to connect www.yourbusiness.co.uk to a hostname it manages. Unlike an A record, its target is a name rather than an IPv4 address. It is not a redirect to a particular webpage.
Useful context
- Find the exact hostname your supplier asks you to connect.
- Check the target and record type in its current instructions.
How it works
Understand the alias
A CNAME says where DNS should look for the information associated with a name. This can let a service provider change its underlying infrastructure without asking every customer to copy a new IP address. The provider still needs to recognise your custom domain.
Keep page paths out of DNS
A target such as service.example.net is a hostname. A destination containing /bookings refers to a page and belongs to a different kind of setting. If you want an old page to open a new page, ask about an HTTP redirect rather than a CNAME.
Respect existing entries
A CNAME generally cannot coexist with other ordinary records at exactly the same name. Providers may offer special features for a domain’s root. Ask the DNS administrator to check conflicts and supported methods instead of deleting whichever record prevents the new entry being saved.
Check the complete result
The connection must be recognised by the destination service and covered by HTTPS. After authorised setup, open the public address and check what customers see. A DNS checker finding the CNAME does not establish that the website content or certificate is correct.
What to check
- The target is the provider-issued hostname, not a webpage URL.
- There is no unexplained conflict at the same name.
- The custom address works in a normal browser.
Sources and further reading
Platform features can change. Check the provider’s current guidance before changing a live service.