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Understanding CNAME Records

Last updated 3 min read DNS

Article Summary

  • A CNAME record maps your hostname to another hostname, which helps point multiple hostnames to one place and validate domain ownership.
  • Click 'Managed DNS' then 'DNS Records', click 'Add Record', and select CNAME under Type.
  • Enter your hostname and a target that is another host or domain name, and choose a Time To Live or leave it on Auto.
  • Click the green 'Create' button to save the record.
  • No-IP does not support CNAMEs at the root domain level, and long or underscore-leading entries may require contacting support.

CNAME Records Basics

CNAME or canonical name records, map your hostname to another hostname.

CNAME records are useful for pointing multiple hostnames to the same place and updating them easily. They are also often used for validating domain ownership.

Here is an example of a CNAME record:
Hostname: www.noip.com Target: noip.com

In the example, the CNAME is “www.noip.com” and it points to “noip.com.” The domains are different but they still go to the same place (The IP address of noip.com) and follow the same DNS rules that are in place.

Please note that No-IP does not support CNAMEs at the root domain level (ANAME or Apex CNAME).

How to add a CNAME Record

Even if you don’t use No-IP to manage your domain records, the same general steps will apply. However, the process may differ slightly.

Step 1: Access Your DNS Records

From your No-IP account, click Managed DNS on the left side menu, then DNS Records. Next, click Add Record which should change the available field. Under Type, select CNAME.

Step 2: Configure Your CNAME Record

Type your desired hostname and enter the target afterwards. The target must be another host or domain name. You can select the desired Time To Live but Auto will place the record at the fastest time available.

Step 3: Add Your CNAME Record

When finished, click the green Create button to create the CNAME record.

Additional Tips for CNAME Records

We do not support creating a CNAME sub-domain for No-IP owned domains. For example, if your domain is example.ddns.net, you can’t create cname.example.ddns.net. In order to create a record like this, you would need your own domain and one of our Managed DNS services.

If the entries under Hostname or Target are long, or begin with an underscore character “_”, you may need to contact support to have the record created.