Ionos DNS Setup Guide

How to Set Up DNS Records on IONOS (1&1)

IONOS (formerly 1&1 Internet) is one of Europe's largest web hosting and domain providers, serving millions of customers globally. This guide walks you through configuring DNS records in the IONOS control panel for websites, email, and third-party services.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

1. Log Into IONOS Control Panel Access your IONOS account to manage DNS.
   • Visit my.ionos.com and sign in with your customer ID or email
   • Click 'Domains & SSL' from the main menu
   • Select your domain from the list
   • Click 'DNS' or 'Manage Subdomains' in domain settings
2. Navigate to DNS Settings Find the DNS management section for your domain.
   • IONOS displays DNS records in a categorized table view
   • You'll see tabs or sections for A, CNAME, MX, TXT, and other record types
   • Default records include IONOS nameservers and hosting configuration
   • Click 'Add Record' to create a new DNS entry
3. Add New DNS Record Create a custom DNS record.
   • Select record type from the available options (A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, SRV)
   • Enter the hostname (use @ for root domain or type a subdomain name)
   • Input the target value (IP address, hostname, or text content)
   • Set TTL if the option is available (IONOS may use default TTL)
   • Click 'Save' to create the record
4. Verify DNS Propagation Confirm your changes have taken effect globally.
   • IONOS DNS changes typically propagate within 1-2 hours
   • Full global propagation may take up to 24 hours
   • Use ReviewMyDNS to check propagation status across worldwide DNS servers
   • Flush your local DNS cache for immediate testing

Common DNS Record Types on IONOS (1&1)

• A Record: Maps your domain to an IPv4 address. Use @ for root domain or enter subdomain name. IONOS provides your hosting IP in the control panel. Type: A, Host: @, Points to: 192.0.2.1, TTL: 3600
• CNAME Record: Creates an alias pointing to another domain. Used for www subdomain or third-party service integration. Cannot be used on root domain. Type: CNAME, Host: www, Points to: example.com, TTL: 3600
• MX Record: Routes email to your mail server. IONOS email uses mx00.ionos.com and mx01.ionos.com with appropriate priorities. Type: MX, Host: @, Mail Server: mx00.ionos.com, Priority: 10, TTL: 3600
• TXT Record: Stores text data for SPF authentication, DKIM, DMARC, and domain verification. IONOS SPF uses _spf.perfora.net. Type: TXT, Host: @, Value: v=spf1 include:_spf.perfora.net ~all, TTL: 3600

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• DNS changes not appearing in IONOS: IONOS DNS typically updates within 1-2 hours. If changes aren't visible, verify you saved the record correctly. Flush your DNS cache and use ReviewMyDNS to check global propagation. IONOS sometimes caches aggressively, so wait at least 2 hours before troubleshooting further.
• IONOS email not receiving messages: Verify MX records point to mx00.ionos.com and mx01.ionos.com. Ensure SPF TXT record includes _spf.perfora.net. Check that no conflicting MX records exist. If using external email (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365), update MX records to those providers' servers.
• Cannot find DNS settings in IONOS panel: IONOS has redesigned their panel several times. Navigate to Domains & SSL > select domain > DNS. If you don't see DNS options, your domain may be using external nameservers. Switch back to IONOS nameservers to manage DNS in their panel.
• Website showing IONOS under construction page: Your A record still points to IONOS default page. Update the @ A record to your hosting server's IP address. If hosting with IONOS, ensure your hosting package is linked to the domain in the control panel.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are IONOS nameservers? IONOS nameservers are typically ns1081.ui-dns.org and ns1081.ui-dns.com (exact values vary by account). Find your specific nameservers in the IONOS control panel under Domains & SSL > DNS > Nameserver Information.
• How long does IONOS DNS propagation take? IONOS DNS changes typically propagate within 1-2 hours to their authoritative servers. Full global propagation can take up to 24 hours depending on TTL values and ISP DNS caching. Monitor with ReviewMyDNS for real-time propagation status.
• Can I use Cloudflare DNS with an IONOS domain? Yes, you can change your IONOS domain's nameservers to Cloudflare. In the IONOS control panel, go to Domains & SSL > DNS > Nameservers and update to Cloudflare's nameservers. Then manage all DNS records in Cloudflare's dashboard.
• Is IONOS DNS the same as 1&1 DNS? Yes, IONOS is the rebranded name of 1&1 Internet. The DNS management interface is the same service with an updated interface. If you have an older 1&1 account, it has been migrated to IONOS and you can access DNS at my.ionos.com.