How to Point a Domain to Your Server (DNS A Record)
domain not pointingDNS not propagatingA recordPointing a domain to a server comes down to one DNS record — the A record. Here's how it works, how to set it, and why it isn't instant.
How DNS actually works
When someone types your domain, their computer asks DNS "what IP is this?". An A record answers with your server's IPv4 address (an AAAA record does the same for IPv6). Point the A record at your server's IP and the domain reaches it.
Step 1: find your server IP
Your host shows it in the panel or welcome email. It looks like 217.156.22.2.
Step 2: set the A record
In your domain's DNS settings (at the registrar or host that controls the nameservers), create/edit:
Type Name Value TTL
A @ 217.156.22.2 3600
A www 217.156.22.2 3600@ means the root domain (example.com); www covers the www subdomain.
DNS records only take effect where the nameservers point. If your domain uses your registrar's nameservers, edit the records there — not at the host. Check which nameservers are active before editing.
Step 3: wait for propagation
DNS changes are cached around the world based on the record's TTL, so they aren't instant — anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours (occasionally up to 24–48h). Lowering the TTL before a planned change makes the switch faster.
Check if it worked
# Linux/macOS
dig +short example.com
# Windows
nslookup example.comIf it returns your server IP, the A record is live. If it still shows the old IP, propagation isn't complete yet.
One A record pointed at your server IP is all it takes — the only catch is propagation, which is just DNS caches around the world catching up.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does DNS propagation take?
Usually minutes to a couple of hours, but it can take up to 24–48 hours worldwide. It depends on the record's TTL and how aggressively networks cache it. Lowering TTL beforehand speeds up future changes.
What's the difference between an A record and nameservers?
Nameservers decide which server holds your DNS records; the A record is one of those records, mapping the domain to an IP. You must edit records at whichever nameservers your domain currently uses.
Should I use an A record or CNAME?
Use an A record to point a domain to an IP address. Use a CNAME to point one hostname at another hostname (e.g. www → example.com). The root domain (@) should normally be an A record.
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