Comprehensive DNS Records Guide for Enom Domains

Domain Name System (DNS) host records connect a domain to a web host or a service such as hosted email. This article explains how host records are structured and how to add and manage them, including URL redirects, subdomains, MX records, TXT/SPF/SRV records, and DKIM.

Before you begin

When updating host records, be aware of the current nameservers. Managing host records at Enom takes effect only when the domain uses Enom nameservers.

Structuring host records

A host record has three parts that tell the domain where to connect.

• Host Name — A unique prefix used to label the host record.
• Record Type — The type of entry for the Address field, selected from the Record Type dropdown.
• Address — The destination where you want the Host Name to resolve.

There are three standard hostnames that enable a stable DNS route to your domain. Record types are the different methods that tell the domain where to point.

Adding host records

DNS propagation is the time it takes for DNS records to publish across the internet and may take up to 8–24 hours. Updates to host records are measured in seconds, called time to live (TTL). The TTL default is 3600 seconds and can be changed by submitting a support request.

1. Locate the domain you want to manage by clicking Domains, then My domains.
2. Search for the domain or choose it from the list.
3. Choose Host records from the Manage domain dropdown.
4. Enter the hostname.
5. Select the Record type.
6. Enter the destination address and click Save.

Increasing host records

There are 15 host records immediately available. For additional host record entries, submit a verified support request. Select New row to add additional rows.

Adding URL redirect host records

A URL redirect (URL forward) is a set of hostname records that sends your domain's viewers to another URL. You can forward your domain to most sites that are active and online. Enom does not support SSL for URL-redirected domains; each site is responsible for its own SSL status.

1. Log in to your Enom account.
2. Locate the domain you want to manage by clicking Domains, then My Domains.
3. Search for the domain or choose it from the list.
4. Choose Host records from the Manage domain dropdown.
5. Create three records as shown in the image, replacing example.com with the desired redirection, and click Save.

Adding URL frame host records

The difference between a URL redirect and a URL frame is that when you visit an address using a URL frame in a web browser, it keeps the URL of your domain in the browser's address bar, while a URL redirect displays the destination site in the address bar.

1. Log in to your Enom account.
2. Locate the domain you want to manage by clicking Domains, then My Domains.
3. Search for the domain or choose it from the list.
4. Choose Host records from the Manage domain dropdown.
5. Create three records as shown in the image, replacing example.com with the desired redirection, and click Save.

Creating a subdomain

To set up a subdomain such as shop.example.com, you need the IP address it will resolve to and must set it up in your host records.

1. Locate the domain you want to manage by clicking Domains, then My domains.
2. Choose Host records from the Manage domain dropdown.
3. Add the hostname for the subdomain.
4. Select A address.
5. Add the IP address and click Save.

Changing MX records

Enom's email service requires Enom's MX record to be added to the domain. Replace the section yourdomain with the desired domain name.

mx.yourdomain.cust.a.hostedemail.com

1. Locate the domain you want to manage by clicking Domains, then My domains.
2. Select Email settings from the Manage domain dropdown.
3. Choose User (MX) under service selection.
4. Enter your MX record.
   note

   Note: The address is hostedemail, not hostedmail.

5. Click Save.

Adding TXT, SPF, and SRV records

TXT, SPF, and SRV records are supported on Enom's DNS servers.

Adding an SPF record

SPF records are provided by your email hosting service. If Enom is your email provider, the following SPF record is automatically entered into your host records.

v=spf1 include:_spf.emfwd.name-services.com MX ~all

1. Locate the domain you want to manage by clicking Domains, then My domains.
2. Go to Host records.
3. Click Add SRV or SPF record.
4. Select Add an SPF record.
5. Enter the SPF text string and click Save.
   note

   Note: The SPF record should follow this format: v=spf1 include:_spf.emfwd.name-services.com MX ?all.

Adding an SRV record

1. Locate the domain you want to manage by clicking Domains, then My domains.

2. Choose Host records.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Add SRV or SPF record.
4. Enter your SRV records and click Save.

Supporting DomainKeys (DKIM)

DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) records authenticate email signatures and prevent spammers from impersonating a domain.

1. Locate the domain you want to manage by clicking Domains, then My domains.
2. Go to Host records.
3. Select the TXT record type.
4. Enter the DKIM-style format, replacing example.com with your domain, then click Save.
   note

   Note: Email providers will provide the appropriate DKIM record to use.

DNS propagation checking tools

After you change DNS, propagation occurs. DNS propagation is the time it takes for DNS records to publish across the internet. The following online tools help check whether a record has propagated.

• whatsmydns.net

• dnschecker.org
• dnspropagation.net

Next steps

• Nameservers (NS)
• Managing DNSSEC
• Enom email service

Questions? Contact Enom Support.