Introduction
The Zone Editor in cPanel allows you to manage your domain’s DNS (Domain Name System) records directly from your hosting control panel. DNS records control how your domain connects to web servers, email services, subdomains, and external platforms like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365. Using the Zone Editor, you can add, edit, and delete various record types including A, CNAME, MX, TXT, and more.
This guide walks you through using the Zone Editor to manage DNS settings in cPanel.
What Is a DNS Zone?
A DNS Zone is a portion of the DNS namespace that contains the DNS records for a specific domain. These records tell the internet how to handle services such as:
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Web hosting (IP address)
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Email routing
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Domain verification
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Subdomain mapping
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External integrations
The Zone Editor in cPanel gives you full access to these configurations.
Accessing the Zone Editor
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Log in to your cPanel account
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Scroll down to the Domains section
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Click on Zone Editor
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You’ll see a list of domains hosted in your account
Types of DNS Records You Can Manage
| Record Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| A (Address) | Maps a domain to an IP address (IPv4) |
| AAAA | Maps a domain to an IPv6 address |
| CNAME | Points a domain to another domain name |
| MX | Specifies mail servers for email delivery |
| TXT | Adds arbitrary text data (often for domain verification) |
| SRV | Defines services like VoIP or messaging |
| CAA | Specifies which certificate authorities are allowed to issue SSL for your domain |
How to Add a DNS Record
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In the Zone Editor, click Manage next to your domain
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Click + Add Record
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Select the record type (A, CNAME, TXT, etc.)
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Enter the following fields depending on the record type:
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Name: The domain or subdomain (e.g.,
www,mail, or full domain) -
TTL: Time to Live (default is usually fine)
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Record Data: This could be an IP address, hostname, or text string
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Click Save Record
Example Record Setups
| Purpose | Record Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Point domain to a server IP | A Record | yourdomain.com → 192.0.2.123 |
Create www subdomain |
CNAME | www → yourdomain.com |
| Set email routing | MX | 10 mail.yourdomain.com |
| Verify domain for Google | TXT | google-site-verification=XXXXXX |
Editing or Deleting Records
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In the Manage screen, you'll see a list of existing DNS records
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Click Edit next to any record to change its value
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Click Delete to remove a record completely
⚠️ Be cautious: incorrect DNS settings can cause website downtime or email delivery issues.
Tips for Using Zone Editor
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Changes to DNS records may take time to propagate globally (usually up to 24–48 hours)
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Always double-check values for typos, especially when configuring MX and TXT records
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Use the default TTL unless your provider recommends otherwise
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If unsure, back up current DNS settings before making changes
Common Use Cases
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Connecting your domain to a third-party website builder or email service
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Verifying domain ownership with Google or Microsoft
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Changing mail server settings (MX records)
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Redirecting subdomains using A or CNAME records
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Installing SSL certificates (with CAA or TXT records)
Conclusion
The Zone Editor is an essential tool for managing your domain's DNS records. Whether you're pointing your domain to a new server, setting up email, or verifying your domain with a third party, cPanel’s Zone Editor gives you full control in a user-friendly interface. Just be sure to handle DNS settings carefully, as incorrect configurations can affect your site's performance and accessibility.
