How to Add an A Record to Point a Subdomain

An A record maps a hostname to an IPv4 address. Adding one is the standard way to point a subdomain such as app.yourdomain.com to a server, whether it is on the same host or a different one.

Create the A Record

1. In cPanel, open Zone Editor and click Manage beside your domain.
2. Click + Add Record and select A Record.
3. In Name, enter the subdomain, for example app (cPanel appends the domain automatically).
4. In Record, enter the destination IPv4 address.
5. Leave TTL at the default unless you need faster future changes.
6. Click Add Record.

Example Values

| Field | Value | | ----- | ----- | | Type | A | | Name | app | | TTL | 14400 | | Record | 203.0.113.25 |

Verify the Record

After propagation, confirm it resolves using a terminal:

dig app.yourdomain.com A +short

The command should return the IP address you entered. You can also check from multiple locations using an online propagation checker.

Common Mistakes

• Entering a full IP in the Name field instead of the hostname.
• Using a CNAME on the same name as the A record, which causes a conflict.
• Forgetting that the change needs time to propagate before it works everywhere.

If the subdomain still does not load after propagation, confirm a website or service is actually running at that IP address.