CNAME record lookup
A CNAME makes one hostname an alias of another. DNS resolution continues at the target until an address or other requested record is found.
Enter a root domain or subdomain—no protocol or path needed.
CNAME rules that matter
A hostname with a CNAME generally cannot publish other data at the same name. The target is another hostname—not an IP address or a web URL.
Standard DNS does not allow a CNAME at the zone apex because the apex must also hold records such as SOA and NS. Some DNS providers offer ALIAS or ANAME behavior to solve that hosting use case.
CNAME is not an HTTP redirect
- DNS aliases do not change the URL in a browser.
- The destination web service must be configured to accept the original hostname.
- TLS certificates must cover every hostname users visit.
- Long CNAME chains add lookups and create more failure points.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Can a CNAME point to an IP address?
No. Use an A record for IPv4 or an AAAA record for IPv6.
Why is no CNAME returned for my root domain?
The zone apex normally cannot use a standards-based CNAME. Your provider may implement a flattened alias that appears to resolvers as A or AAAA records.