DNS · CNAME
CNAME Record Lookup
Look up the CNAME (canonical name) records for any domain or subdomain to see exactly where it points or is aliased.
Overview
What is a CNAME record?
Think of a CNAME (Canonical Name) record like a nickname or forwarding address for a website. Instead of pointing to an IP address, it points one domain name to another domain name.
For example, to let visitors type www.example.com and end up at example.com, you'd use a CNAME pointing the "www" version at the main one. If the main site's IP ever changes, the CNAME follows it automatically.
Why do people use CNAME records?
They keep websites organized and connected to other tools.
Connecting to third-party services
Building a store on Shopify? You point a CNAME on shop.yourdomain.com at shops.myshopify.com instead of memorizing an IP.
Managing multiple services
Point mail.example.com and ftp.example.com to the same place. If the server moves, you only update the main record.
Watch out
The two big rules of CNAMEs
Rule 1: they can't point to an IP address
To point a domain at an IP like 192.168.1.1, use an A record. A CNAME must always point to another name like server.example.com.
Rule 2: you can't put them on your root domain
A CNAME is fine on a subdomain like blog.example.com, but not on your root domain (example.com) — doing so breaks the domain and stops email working. For a deeper explanation, read Cloudflare's guide to CNAME records.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
What does CNAME stand for?
CNAME stands for 'Canonical Name'. It means 'the true name'. When you create a CNAME, you are telling the internet that the true name of this web address is actually located somewhere else.
Can a CNAME point to an IP address?
No. A CNAME record must always point to another domain name. If you need to point a domain directly to an IP address, you must use an A record (for IPv4) or an AAAA record (for IPv6).
Can I use a CNAME on my main domain?
No. Due to strict DNS rules, you cannot put a CNAME record on your root domain (like example.com). CNAMEs can only be used on subdomains (like www.example.com or shop.example.com).
Why is my CNAME not working?
It might take time to update. DNS changes can take a few hours to propagate across the internet depending on your TTL settings. Also, ensure you haven't accidentally pointed the CNAME to an IP address, or placed it on your root domain, as both will cause errors.
What is the difference between a CNAME and an A record?
An A record translates a domain name directly into an IP address. A CNAME record translates a domain name into another domain name, forcing the browser to do a second lookup to finally find the IP address.
More records
Follow the chain to the IP
A CNAME points to another name — run a full DNS lookup or check the A record to see the final IP address.