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DNS Records Setup Guide

This guide will help you properly configure the DNS records needed to connect your custom domains to your applications.

Difference Between CNAME and A Records​

When setting up a domain for your application, you need to know which type of DNS record to use:

A Record (Address Record)​

  • Purpose: Directly maps a domain to an IP address
  • Use Case: For root domains (example.com)
  • Important Note: For root domains, use the @ symbol in the name/host field

CNAME (Canonical Name)​

  • Purpose: Redirects one domain to another domain (not to an IP)
  • Use Case: For subdomains (blog.example.com, app.example.com, ...)
  • Note: You cannot use a CNAME for root domains (although some services like Cloudflare work around this limitation with CNAME Flattening)

Setting Up an A Record for Root Domains​

To connect a root domain (example.com) to your application, you need to set up an A record:

  1. Go to your domain provider's DNS management panel
  2. Create a new A record:
    • Name/Host: @ (representing the root domain)
    • Value/Points to: The IP address of our platform server (obtain this from your application management panel)
    • TTL: Provider recommended or 3600

Setting Up a CNAME for Subdomains​

To connect a subdomain (blog.example.com) to your application, you need to set up a CNAME record:

  1. Go to your domain provider's DNS management panel
  2. Create a new CNAME record:
    • Name/Host: Subdomain name (e.g., blog)
    • Value/Points to: The full domain address of your application on our platform
    • TTL: Provider recommended or 3600

Configuration in Different Providers​

Setting Up in Arvan​

  1. Log in to your Arvan panel and go to the DNS section of domain management

  2. For root domain:

    • Click on "Add Record"
    • Type: A
    • Name: @ (leave empty or enter @)
    • Value: Platform IP address

  3. For subdomain:

    • Click on "Add Record"
    • Type: CNAME
    • Name: Subdomain name (e.g., blog)
    • Value: Full domain address of your application on our platform

Verifying DNS Configuration​

After configuring your DNS settings, it may take up to 24 hours for the changes to propagate across the internet, although it's usually much faster. To check the status of your settings, you can:

  1. Use online tools like DNSChecker
  2. Use the dig or nslookup command in terminal: 
    dig example.com
    dig blog.example.com CNAME

Troubleshooting Common Issues​

DNS Settings Not Applied​

  • Make sure at least a few hours have passed since setup
  • Clear your browser's DNS cache or use a different browser
  • Test from a different network (such as mobile data connection)

"CNAME at Root" Error​

  • You cannot use a CNAME for the root domain
  • Use an A record with the @ symbol instead

I Only Have CNAME Option for My Root Domain​

  • Some DNS providers (like some hosting services) may not offer the A record option
  • In this case, we recommend using a managed DNS service like Cloudflare or Arvan

For more information or to resolve specific issues, please contact support.