How to add an ANAME/ALIAS record
Table of Contents
🔍 What Are ANAME/ALIAS Records?
ANAME (or ALIAS) records are DNS record types that allow you to point the root domain (`@` or `example.com`) to another hostname (e.g., a CDN or cloud service). Unlike CNAME records, which cannot be used for root domains due to conflicts with other records like MX or NS, ANAME/ALIAS records coexist with other records and provide flexibility similar to CNAME but for the apex domain.
📝 How to Set Up ANAME/ALIAS Records by Registrar
1. AWS Route 53
AWS Route 53 uses Alias records to point root domains to AWS resources. To set one up: log into the Route 53 console, select your hosted zone, and click Create Record. Choose Alias and select the target AWS resource (e.g., CloudFront distribution). For Record name, leave it blank for the root domain and save.
- Help Article: Route 53 Alias Record Guide
2. Azure DNS
Azure DNS supports Alias records. To set one up: log into the Azure portal, navigate to your DNS zone, and click + Record set. Select A or AAAA for Type, check Alias record set, and choose the target resource. Leave Name blank for the root domain and save.
- Help Article: Azure Alias Record Guide
3. Constellix
Constellix supports native ANAME records. To set one up: log into Constellix, select your domain, navigate to Records > ANAME Records, and click the + icon. Enter the Name (@ for root) and Host (target hostname), configure TTL, and save.
- Help Article: Constellix ANAME Record Guide
4. DreamHost
DreamHost supports ALIAS records. To set one up: log into your account, go to Manage Websites > DNS Settings, click Add Record and select ALIAS Record. For Host, leave it blank for the root domain or enter a subdomain. For Points to, enter the target hostname and save.
- Help Article: DreamHost ALIAS Record Guide
5. easyDNS
easyDNS supports ANAME records. To set one up: log into your account, select your domain, go to DNS Settings > CNAME/ALIAS Records, click Edit, and enter @ for Host. For Address, enter the target hostname and save.
- Help Article: easyDNS ANAME Record Guide
6. Hostinger
Hostinger supports ALIAS records for root domains. To set one up: navigate to the domain’s DNS zone editor on hPanel, select the CNAME record type from the dropdown list, and enter the target hostname. Note that only one ALIAS record can be added to a root domain’s DNS zone. Once added, it will appear as CNAME ALIAS in the DNS zone.
- Help Article: Hostinger ALIAS Record Guide
7. Namecheap
Namecheap supports ALIAS records for root domains and subdomains. To set one up: log into your account, go to Domain List and click Manage, navigate to Advanced DNS > Host Records, click Add New Record and select ALIAS. For Host, enter @ (for root domain) or a subdomain. For Value, enter the target hostname. Set TTL and save changes.
- Help Article: Namecheap ALIAS Record Guide
⚠️ Registrars Without Native ANAME/ALIAS Support
Some registrars, like GoDaddy and Bluehost, do not support ANAME/ALIAS records for root domains. For these, alternatives include:
- GoDaddy: Use an A record with a static IP or domain forwarding from the root domain to a subdomain like `www`.
- Bluehost: Use an A record or CNAME for subdomains only. For root domains, consider using a third-party DNS service like Cloudflare that supports CNAME flattening.
💡 Key Considerations for ANAME/ALIAS Records
- Coexistence with Other Records: Unlike CNAME, ANAME/ALIAS records can coexist with MX, TXT, and other records on the same hostname.
- Automatic Updates: If the target hostname's IP changes, ANAME/ALIAS records update automatically, reducing manual maintenance.
- Use Cases: Ideal for root domains pointing to CDNs, cloud platforms, or SaaS services (e.g., Heroku, CloudFront).
- Propagation Time: DNS changes may take up to 48 hours to propagate globally, though TTL settings can influence this.
- Limitations: Not all DNS providers support ANAME/ALIAS records. Check your registrar's documentation for compatibility.
🌐 Comparison of Registrar Support
| Registrar | ANAME/ALIAS Support | Root Domain Support | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Route 53 | Yes (Alias) | Yes | Integrates with AWS services |
| Azure DNS | Yes (Alias) | Yes | Points to Azure resources |
| Constellix | Yes (ANAME) | Yes | Advanced DNS management |
| DreamHost | Yes (ALIAS) | Yes | Works with subdomains and root |
| easyDNS | Yes (ANAME) | Yes | Simple setup for root domains |
| GoDaddy | No | No | Requires A record or forwarding |
| Bluehost | No | No | Limited to subdomain CNAME |
| Hostinger | Yes (ALIAS) | Yes | Supports ALIAS for root domains |
| Namecheap | Yes (ALIAS) | Yes | Coexists with other records |
✅ Conclusion
ANAME/ALIAS records are crucial for seamlessly pointing root domains to hostnames without violating DNS standards. While registrars like Namecheap, DreamHost, and AWS Route 53 offer native support, others may require workarounds like A records or forwarding. Always check your registrar's documentation for specific instructions and ensure your DNS changes align with your hosting needs.