How to add a CNAME record
Table of Contents
Here's a guide on how to add a CNAME record for some of the most common domain registrars. We've included brief instructions and links to their relevant knowledge base articles where available.
1. AWS Route 53
In Route 53, navigate to your hosted zone, create a record, and choose CNAME as the type. Enter the record name (e.g., "api") and value (target domain). Note that AWS uses alias records for root domains instead of CNAME, which are supported for services like S3 or CloudFront.
- Help Article: Route 53 CNAME Records
2. Bluehost
Log into Bluehost’s cPanel, go to "Domains," and select "DNS Zone Editor." Choose your domain, click "Add Record," select CNAME, and fill in the host (e.g., "shop") and points to value (e.g., "example.com"). Save changes. Bluehost also supports CNAME via their advanced DNS management tab.
Note: Exact steps may vary based on hosting plan.
- Help Article: Bluehost DNS Management
3. Cloudflare
For Cloudflare, log into your dashboard, select your domain, and go to "DNS" settings. Click "Add Record," choose CNAME, enter the name (subdomain) and target domain. Ensure the proxy status is set to "DNS only" or "Proxied" as needed. Cloudflare allows CNAME flattening for root domains.
- Help Article: Cloudflare CNAME Setup
4. DreamHost
In DreamHost, navigate to "Manage Websites," select "DNS Settings" for your domain, and click "Add Record." Under CNAME, enter the host (e.g., "blog") and point it to the target domain. Note that CNAME records cannot be created for the root domain—use an ALIAS record instead for root domain aliasing.
- Help Article: DreamHost Custom DNS Records
5. GoDaddy
To add a CNAME record in GoDaddy, log into your Domain Portfolio, select your domain, and navigate to DNS Management. Click "Add New Record," select CNAME from the type menu, and enter the details (e.g., Name: subdomain like "blog", Value: target domain). Note that GoDaddy does not allow CNAME records for the root domain (@) due to DNS conflicts. Save the record after entering details.
- Help Article: GoDaddy CNAME Record Guide
6. Google Domains
After signing into Google Domains, select your domain, click "DNS," and under "Custom Resource Records," add a new record. Choose CNAME as the type, enter the subdomain (e.g., "mail") and destination domain (e.g., "google.com"). Save the record. Changes may take up to 48 hours to propagate.
Note: Google Domains is transitioning to Squarespace; refer to Squarespace documentation post-transition.
- Help Article: Google Domains DNS Records
7. HostGator
In HostGator’s cPanel, use "Advanced DNS Zone Editor" or "Simple DNS Zone Editor" to add a CNAME record. Enter the name (e.g., "support") and CNAME (e.g., "example.com"). Note that changes might take time to propagate due to TTL settings.
- Help Article: HostGator DNS Zone Editor
8. Hostinger
To add a CNAME record in Hostinger, navigate to the Domains section → Domain portfolio. You can manage your DNS records via DNS Zone Editor. Enter the subdomain name and point it to the target domain. Note that CNAME records cannot be created for the root domain.
- Help Article: Hostinger CNAME Record Guide
9. IONOS
In IONOS, go to "Domains & SSL," select your domain, and click "Manage Subdomains." Under DNS settings for the subdomain, add a CNAME record with the hostname (e.g., "forum") and point it to the target FQDN. Avoid CNAME for the root domain due to DNS conflicts.
- Help Article: IONOS CNAME Record Guide
10. Name.com
Log into Name.com, select your domain, and click "DNS Records." Add a new record, choose CNAME, and enter the host (e.g., "news") and answer (target domain). Save changes. Name.com also provides templates for common services like Google Workspace.
- Help Article: Name.com DNS Management
11. Namecheap
For Namecheap, sign into your account, go to "Domain List," click "Manage" next to your domain, and navigate to "Advanced DNS." Click "Add New Record," choose CNAME, and enter the host (e.g., "www") and value (e.g., "ghs.googlehosted.com"). Ensure your domain uses Namecheap’s BasicDNS, PremiumDNS, or FreeDNS. Avoid CNAME for the root domain (@) to prevent email issues.
- Help Article: Namecheap CNAME Record Guide
💡 General Notes
- Propagation Time: DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate globally.
- Root Domain Limitation: Most registrars do not allow CNAME records for the root domain (e.g.,
example.com) due to DNS standards. Use ALIAS/ANAME records or URL redirects instead. - Conflicts: Remove existing records (e.g., A, TXT) for the same host before adding a CNAME to avoid conflicts.
For registrar-specific details, always refer to their official documentation or support resources. If your registrar isn’t listed here, consult their knowledge base for "CNAME record" or "DNS management."