How to Add a DNS A Record for a Subdomain

When you set up a subdomain – such as clone.yourdomain.com or staging.yourdomain.com for example, you need to create a DNS A record to point it to the correct server. This guide explains what an A record is and how to add one.

What is a DNS A Record?

A DNS A record (Address record) maps a domain name or subdomain to a specific IP address. It’s what tells the internet where to send visitors when they type your address into a browser.

For example, if your server’s IP address is 192.0.2.1, creating an A record for clone.yourdomain.com pointing to 192.0.2.1 means anyone visiting that subdomain will be directed to your server.

Where Do I Manage DNS?

DNS is most commonly managed through the registrar where you registered your domain. Log into your registrar’s control panel and look for a section called DNS Management, DNS Settings, or Zone Editor.

Some hosting providers also manage DNS on your behalf — if you’re unsure, check with whoever hosts your website.

What You’ll Need

• Access to your DNS management panel
• The subdomain prefix you want to use — e.g. clone, dev, or staging
• The IP address of your server (if unsure, we can help supply this to you)

How to Add the A Record

The exact steps will vary slightly depending on your DNS provider, but the process is broadly the same everywhere:

1. Log in to your domain registrar or DNS management panel.
2. Navigate to the DNS settings for your domain.
3. Look for an option to Add a record or Add new DNS record.
4. Set the record type to A.
5. In the Host or Name field, enter just the subdomain prefix — for example, clone. Some providers require the full subdomain (clone.yourdomain.com); others just want the prefix (clone).
6. In the Value or Points to field, enter your server’s IP address.
7. Set the TTL (Time to Live) — the default value is fine if you’re unsure. A common value is 3600 (1 hour).
8. Save the record.

Example

The prefix can be anything you like – clone, dev, staging, test, and so on. Just make sure you use the same prefix when setting up your hosting or cloning your site.

How Long Does It Take?

DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to fully propagate across the internet, though in most cases it’s much faster — often under an hour. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about.