Linode DNS Setup Guide

How to Configure DNS Records in Linode

Linode offers managed DNS service integrated with their hosting platform. This guide covers setting up and managing DNS records in Linode.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

1. Access Linode DNS Manager Log into Linode account and navigate to DNS Manager.
   • Visit manager.linode.com
   • Log into your Linode account
   • Click 'Domains' in left sidebar
   • Find your domain or create new domain
2. Create Domain Zone Set up zone file for your domain.
   • Click 'Create a new Domain'
   • Enter your domain name
   • Select 'Create with nameservers set to Linode nameservers' or 'Use Linode's nameservers'
   • Linode generates SOA and NS records
3. Update Nameservers at Registrar Point your domain to Linode nameservers.
   • Copy Linode nameservers from DNS Manager
   • Log into domain registrar
   • Update nameservers to Linode's nameservers
   • Wait 24-48 hours for propagation
4. Add DNS Records Create A, CNAME, MX, TXT records.
   • In Linode DNS Manager, click domain
   • Click 'Add an A Record', 'Add a CNAME Record', etc.
   • Enter hostname and value
   • Click 'Save' to create record

Common DNS Record Types on Linode DNS

• A Record: Maps domain to server IP. Use @ for root domain. Hostname: @, IP Address: 192.0.2.1
• MX Record: Routes email to mail server. Configure priority values. Mail Server: mail.example.com, Priority: 10
• CNAME Record: Creates subdomain alias to another domain. Hostname: www, CNAME: example.com
• TXT Record: Email authentication, SPF, DKIM, DMARC records. Hostname: @, Text: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Linode nameservers not propagating: Verify nameservers at registrar match Linode nameservers exactly. Wait 24-48 hours. Use DNS checker to verify propagation.
• DNS records not working: Verify domain zone file is active in Linode DNS Manager. Check records were saved correctly. Wait 15-30 minutes for records to take effect.
• Email not working: Ensure MX records point to correct mail server. Verify mail server hostname has A record. Check SPF and DKIM TXT records.
• Website showing Linode placeholder: A record points to Linode placeholder IP. Update A record to your website server IP or use Linode hosting.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Linode DNS free? Yes, Linode DNS Manager is free with any Linode account. No charges for DNS service regardless of number of records or queries.
• Can I use Linode DNS without Linode hosting? Yes, Linode offers managed DNS standalone. You can point any domain to Linode's nameservers regardless of where domain is registered or hosted.
• How fast is Linode DNS? Linode uses global DNS infrastructure with anycast routing. Very fast globally. DNS updates take effect within 30 seconds to 5 minutes typically.
• Does Linode offer DNSSEC? Yes, Linode supports DNSSEC. Can be enabled in DNS Manager. Requires DS records to be added to registrar.