How to Manage and Change DNS Records in DirectAdmin
DNS records control where your domain's traffic goes — your website, email and other services all depend on the correct records being in place.
When Would You Change DNS Records?
- Setting up Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 email (MX records)
- Setting up SPF, DKIM and DMARC for email deliverability
- Pointing a subdomain to an external service (Shopify, Wix, etc.)
- Verifying your domain with Google Search Console or Facebook
- Setting up Cloudflare
DNS Record Types Explained
| Type | What It Does | Example Use |
|---|---|---|
| A | Points domain to an IP address | yourdomain.com → 123.456.78.9 |
| CNAME | Points subdomain to another hostname | www → yourdomain.com |
| MX | Directs email to a mail server | Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 |
| TXT | Text records for verification and email auth | SPF, DKIM, DMARC, domain verification |
| NS | Specifies nameservers | Set by Hostking automatically |
How to Access DNS Management
- Log into DirectAdmin
- Under Domain Settings, click DNS Management
- You'll see all current DNS records for your domain
Adding a New Record
- Click Add Record
- Select the Type from the dropdown
- Enter the Name — use
@for the root domain, or a subdomain prefix (e.g.www,mail,shop) - Enter the Value — the IP address, hostname or text string
- Click Save
Editing an Existing Record
Click the edit icon next to the record, update the value and click Save.
Deleting a Record
Click the delete icon next to the record. Be careful — deleting the wrong record can take your website or email offline.
How Long Do Changes Take?
DNS changes in DirectAdmin usually take effect within 15–60 minutes. Full global propagation can take up to 24 hours.
Common Records You May Need
Google Workspace MX records — add the MX records provided in your Google Admin console. Delete Hostking's default MX record first.
Microsoft 365 MX records — same process using the MX record from Microsoft 365 Admin.
Domain verification TXT record — add a TXT record with @ as the name and paste the verification string as the value.
SPF record — add a TXT record at @ with value:
v=spf1 a mx include:hostking.host ~allSee: Why Are My Emails Going to Spam? SPF, DKIM and DMARC Explained
Need Help?
Our support team is available every day from 7am to 10pm via live chat at hostking.host or by opening a ticket at my.hostking.host.
