CNAME records are a powerful tool in DNS management, allowing you to alias one domain name to another. They simplify domain pointing and help integrate external services smoothly. However, improper configuration of CNAME records can lead to website downtime, email issues, or SEO problems. Many beginners and even some experienced users fall into common traps when setting up CNAMEs. Understanding these mistakes is essential to avoid disruptions and keep your website functioning perfectly.

Using CNAME Records at the Root Domain (Apex Domain)

One of the most frequent and critical mistakes is attempting to use a CNAME record for the root domain for example, setting a CNAME for instead of According to DNS standards, CNAME records are not allowed at the root level because the root domain often has other essential DNS records such as NS (nameserver) and MX (mail exchange) records. Placing a CNAME here can cause conflicts, making your domain unreachable or breaking your email services.

If you want to point your root domain to another hostname, many DNS providers offer alternatives like ALIAS records, ANAME records, or CNAME flattening. These solutions provide CNAME-like flexibility without violating DNS rules Read more.