Thinking about linking a custom domain to a service like Shopify or email provider? If you’re using Bluehost, you’ll likely need to add a CNAME record—but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.
Understanding how to set up a CNAME record is key to managing your domain’s connections smoothly. In this article, you’ll find an easy, step-by-step guide to adding a CNAME record in Bluehost, plus helpful tips to ensure everything works seamlessly. Let’s make your setup stress-free!
What is a CNAME Record and Why Do You Need It?
A CNAME (Canonical Name) record is a type of DNS (Domain Name System) record that helps route traffic for a subdomain to another domain name. Imagine you want blog.yoursite.com to point to your blog hosted at another service like Blogger, Wix, or Squarespace, or want info.yoursite.com to lead somewhere different—CNAME records make this possible.
Bluehost users often need CNAME records when:
- Connecting email or website builders (like Instapage, Unbounce, or Gamera) to your domain.
- Setting up branded subdomains for marketing, customer portals, or landing pages.
- Integrating third-party apps that require domain verification.
CNAME records are essential because they enable flexibility without changing your main domain’s core settings. You gain the power to direct visitors to the right places, keeping your website smooth and organized.
How to Add a CNAME Record in Bluehost: Step-by-Step
Adding a CNAME record to your Bluehost domain is a simple process, even if you’re not a web tech expert! Here’s how you can do it on your Bluehost account:
1. Sign in to Your Bluehost Dashboard
- Head to Bluehost and log in using your account details.
- After signing in, you’ll see your main dashboard.
2. Navigate to the Domains Section
- Find the Domains tab or menu.
- Click it to manage your domain names.
3. Select the Domain to Edit
- Choose the specific domain you want to adjust.
- Use the Manage or Settings button by your domain.
4. Open DNS (Zone Editor) Settings
- Look for options named DNS, DNS Zone Editor, or Zone Editor.
- This area lets you manage all DNS records for your domain.
5. Add a New CNAME Record
- Find the section labeled Add Record or Add CNAME Record.
- Fill in the CNAME details:
- Host/Name/Label: This is the subdomain you want to configure (for example, ‘www’ if you want www.yoursite.com).
- Points to/Destination/Target: Enter the domain you want this subdomain to redirect to (example: ghs.googlehosted.com or your third-party service point).
- TTL (Time to Live): You can usually leave this at the default value, like 14400 or 3600.
6. Save Your Changes
- Review the details.
- Click Save, Add Record, or similar to finalize.
Great work! Your changes might take a few minutes to several hours to propagate across the internet.
Practical Example: Using CNAME to Connect a Website Builder
Suppose you use a landing page builder like Unbounce or Instapage. They may ask you to connect a custom domain like ‘offers.yoursite.com’.
Here’s what you do:
- Get the exact ‘destination’ value from your service (e.g., unbouncespages.com).
- Set the Host/Name field as ‘offers’.
- In Points to, enter the destination provided by your builder.
- Save the new CNAME record.
Now, anyone going to offers.yoursite.com will reach your customized landing page.
Benefits of Using CNAME Records on Bluehost
Why use CNAME records? Here’s what you’ll love:
- Simplicity: Easy to set up without advanced DNS knowledge.
- Flexibility: Change where your subdomains point without affecting your main domain or email setup.
- Third-Party Integration: Quickly connect external services, apps, or website builders.
- Reliability: Make domain pointing robust and easy to update, especially when outsourcing website functionality.
- No Downtime: Changing CNAMEs doesn’t impact traffic on the rest of your website.
Common Challenges and How to Tackle Them
While adding a CNAME is straightforward, a few bumps can occur along the way. Here’s what to watch for:
1. DNS Propagation Delay
After saving, CNAME changes may take anywhere from a few minutes to a full day to update globally.
Tip: Be patient, and avoid making continuous changes—this can slow things down further.
2. Incorrect CNAME Fields
If your website or emails stop working, it’s usually because of a typo or misplacement in your CNAME or other DNS records.
Tip: Double-check your ‘Host’ and ‘Points to’ fields, and make sure you’re not adding extra dots or unwanted characters.
3. Conflicts with Existing Records
You can’t have both a CNAME and another record (like an A record) for the same subdomain. For example, ‘www’ can’t have both.
Tip: Remove any existing conflicting records before adding your new CNAME.
4. TTL Confusion
Some platforms recommend a specific TTL (Time to Live). If you’re not sure, the default is fine, but matching the recommended TTL can help for rapid setup.
Tip: For quick changes, set TTL lower (like 300 seconds); for stable, set higher.
5. Locked or Expired Domains
If your domain is locked or expired, changes won’t take effect.
Tip: Make sure your domain status is ‘Active’ before editing DNS records.
Best Practices for Managing CNAME Records on Bluehost
To keep your site running smoothly, follow these tips:
- Document Changes: Keep records of what and when you change in your DNS settings.
- Stick to One CNAME per Subdomain: Don’t layer or duplicate CNAMEs; one is enough.
- Coordinate with Other Records: If your subdomain is used for mail (MX records), don’t use a CNAME for it.
- Update When Services Change: If you move your website or landing page host, update your CNAME to avoid downtime.
- Test After Setting: Use tools like ‘nslookup’ or ‘dig’, or online DNS checkers, to confirm your new CNAME is working.
- Educate Your Team: Make sure anyone in your business with access to DNS understands these basics.
Cost Tips: Is There a Cost for Adding a CNAME in Bluehost?
Changing, adding, or removing DNS records (like CNAMEs) at Bluehost is included with your domain hosting package—there are no extra fees for these actions.
However, keep in mind:
- Domain Registration Costs: You need an active Bluehost domain.
- Third-party Services May Charge: Some website builders or tools you connect via CNAME might have their own fees.
- Manual Labor: If you need help from a web professional, factor in their service costs—but Bluehost’s support can guide you free of charge for basic DNS setups.
Shipping or physical delivery is not relevant for DNS settings, so you don’t need to worry about that.
A Quick Reference Table: CNAME Record Setup in Bluehost
| Field | Example Value | Description/Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Host/Name | www | The subdomain you want to point (e.g., www) |
| Points to | ghs.googlehosted.com | The target domain/service |
| TTL | 14400 | Leave as default unless told otherwise |
Wrapping Up: Managing CNAME Records in Bluehost
Adding or editing CNAME records in Bluehost is a foundational skill for anyone managing their digital presence. By mastering this, you gain flexibility and power over your website, making it easy to connect services, verify domains, or point subdomains wherever they need to be.
Patience, double-checking, and documentation are your best friends throughout the process. Whether you’re integrating a new landing page, moving services, or just sharpening your tech skills, Bluehost puts DNS management right at your fingertips.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a CNAME record, and when do I need one?
A CNAME record (Canonical Name) lets you map one subdomain to another domain or service. You need it when connecting parts of your website to third-party apps, landing pages, or when pointing custom subdomains to external platforms like Shopify or Squarespace.
How long does it take for CNAME record changes to take effect on Bluehost?
Most CNAME changes propagate in a few minutes, but it may take up to 24 hours for all devices worldwide to see the update due to DNS caching.
Can I add multiple CNAME records to the same subdomain?
No. Each subdomain can have only one CNAME record. If you set a CNAME for ‘blog’, you can’t add more CNAMEs for ‘blog’—only edit or replace the existing one.
Will modifying CNAME records affect my website or email?
Changing a CNAME for an active subdomain will change where visitors are sent for that subdomain. It won’t affect your main site or email unless you modify records unrelated to your change. Avoid using CNAMEs on mail-related subdomains to prevent disruptions.
What should I do if my new CNAME record isn’t working?
First, wait a few hours for propagation. Double-check your entry for typos. Make sure there are no conflicting DNS records for the same subdomain. If problems persist, contact Bluehost’s support—they can help you troubleshoot common hiccups quickly.
Take charge of your website’s navigation and integrations by confidently managing CNAME records in your Bluehost account. With these steps and tips, your domains will always point exactly where you want them to, powering up your online strategy!