Browse Client docs

DNS

What is DNS?

DNS is like the phone book of the internet. When someone types your domain name into their browser, DNS is what tells the browser where to find your website, where to deliver your email, and which other services your domain is connected to.

You don't need to understand DNS in detail to use the portal. But knowing the basics helps when something isn't working.

Viewing your zones

A zone is the collection of DNS settings for one domain. If we manage two domains for you, you'll see two zones.

  1. Go to DNS in your dashboard.
  2. You'll see a list of every zone we manage on your behalf.
  3. Click any zone to open it and see its records.

For each zone you can also see whether everything looks healthy and when its settings were last checked.

Common record types in plain language

Each record in a zone is one entry in the phone book. The most common types:

  • A record — points your domain (or a subdomain) to a specific server. This is what makes yourdomain.com show your website.
  • CNAME — creates an alias. For example, www.yourdomain.com might be a CNAME pointing at yourdomain.com so both addresses go to the same place.
  • MX — controls where your email is delivered. If your email isn't working, this is usually the first thing to check.
  • TXT — carries small bits of text used for verification (proving you own the domain) and email security (helping providers know which servers are allowed to send email for you).
  • NS — tells the rest of the internet which servers are responsible for your domain's DNS settings.

You'll also see less common types like AAAA (similar to A but for newer IPv6 addresses), SRV, and CAA. If you're not sure what one does, leave it alone or ask us.

Editing records

Whether you can edit records depends on your access level for each zone:

  • View-only access — you can see everything but can't change it. Changes go through MoonFactory support. Just send us a ticket describing what you need.
  • Edit access — you'll see Add Record, Edit, and Delete controls on the records page. Use them carefully — incorrect DNS changes can take your website or email offline.

To add a record (when you have edit access):

  1. Open the zone.
  2. Click Add Record.
  3. Choose the type, fill in the name and value, and save.

If you're not 100% sure what to put in, send us a ticket first. It's much faster to confirm with us than to fix a broken record later.

After you make a change

DNS doesn't update instantly across the internet. After a change is made:

  • Most people will see the new settings within a few minutes.
  • Some networks cache the old settings for longer — up to a couple of hours is normal.
  • In rare cases, a stubborn cache somewhere can hold on for up to 24 hours.

This delay is normal and there's nothing wrong on your end. If you're not seeing changes after a couple of hours, get in touch and we'll take a look.

A note on safety

Some DNS records can't be deleted from the portal because removing them would break things — like the records that prove ownership of your domain or that point to MoonFactory infrastructure. If you try to remove one and the portal stops you, that's why. Send us a ticket and we'll discuss what you're trying to achieve.

Need help? Submit a support ticket from your dashboard, or email us at hello@moonfactory.dev.