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Website explainer · 1:47

DNS A and AAAA Records Explained: IPv4 and IPv6 Website Addresses

What is the difference between an A record and an AAAA record? They associate a hostname with different types of IP address.

Jersey Web video: A or AAAA? Address records.

1:47 · No narration: the video shows each step as text on screen, and every step is written out below, with buttons that jump the video to it.

Download the on-screen text track (VTT)

The six points in the video

This is a silent video. The headings, explanations and labels below reproduce the information on screen.

  1. Step 1: An A record uses IPv4

    It associates the name with an IPv4 address.

    On-screen labels: DNS hostname; A record; IPv4 address.

  2. Step 2: An AAAA record uses IPv6

    It associates the name with an IPv6 address.

    On-screen labels: DNS hostname; AAAA record; IPv6 address.

  3. Step 3: The hostname matters

    The main domain and WWW can have separate record configurations.

    On-screen labels: Main domain; WWW hostname; Correct record name.

  4. Step 4: Use the hosting instructions

    The address must match the service prepared to serve the website.

    On-screen labels: Hosting provider value; Intended service; Correct address type.

  5. Step 5: Check both supported routes

    An old IPv6 destination can cause problems even when IPv4 works.

    On-screen labels: IPv4 destination; IPv6 destination; Consistent service.

  6. Step 6: Verify the website as well

    A correct DNS answer still needs a working host and HTTPS configuration.

    On-screen labels: DNS answer; Expected website; Working HTTPS.

A practical check for your business

Review the exact hostname and the intended IPv4 or IPv6 destination with the hosting provider. Verify the resulting website connection rather than assuming that changing one address record fixes every service.

Sources and further detail

Common questions

What is the difference between an A record and an AAAA record?

They associate a hostname with different types of IP address. Use the exact values supplied for the intended hosting service.

Go further

Guide Read the practical guide More context for planning and maintaining your business website. 5 min read → Jargon Buster A record explained Read the related Jargon Buster explanation. Read the explanation → Jargon Buster AAAA record explained Read the related Jargon Buster explanation. Read the explanation →

Use the exact values supplied for the intended hosting service.

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