Are you struggling with tech issues when managing DNS zones on WordPress? I promise you are not the first. Over the years, countless clients have contacted me with DNS problems, questions, or general confusion.

I created this guide to help my clients and anyone else learn everything they need to know about managing their DNS Zone on WordPress.com

Let’s dive in!

A step-by-step guide to managing DNS records on WordPress.com:

WordPress.com dashboard

  • Step 2: Find the Domains section

WordPress.com domains section on dashboard

  • Step 3: Select the domain you want to modify/change and click “Manage DNS”

WordPress.com domains section on dashboard

Now, you can add, edit, or delete any individual DNS records with your domain. 

DNS records example on WordPress.com

If these steps don’t work, contact WordPress support, who can help guide you through the process. 

Different types of DNS records

  • A: An address record
  • AAAA: A record that connects domain names to IPv6 addresses
  • ALIAS: A type of DNS record
  • CNAME: A canonical name record that redirects one domain name to another
  • MX: A record that tells other mail systems where to send your emails for a domain
  • TXT: A record that stores text-based information about a domain, often for verification purposes
  • SRV: A type of DNS record
  • NS: A type of DNS record

FAQ’s

What is a DNS zone

A DNS zone is a part of the Domain Name System (DNS) used to manage your specific domain/subdomain. 

Its purpose is to give people more control over DNS records and nameservers. They can be used to help teams become more efficient and put the workload across different name servers. 

How long does it take for DNS changes to take place on WordPress.com?

DNS changes typically occur within an hour, but it is usually recommended that you wait 24-72 hours before having any concerns. If you have waited 72 hours but something is still not working, it is best to contact WordPress.com support directly so they can check the problem on their end.

Can I use third-party DNS services with my WordPress.com site?

Yes, you can use third-party DNS services, but you’ll need to make DNS changes at your third-party domain registrar. 

You can also transfer your domain to WordPress.com if you want to manage everything in one place.