Summary
This guide walks you through how to access your domain’s DNS settings and add or update DNS records using the Zone Editor in cPanel. You’ll commonly use this for email authentication, domain verification, and connecting third-party services.
Applies To
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Fistbump Media hosting customers
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Managed WordPress Hosting
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Domains managed through cPanel
What Is DNS? (Quick Overview)
DNS (Domain Name System) tells the internet how to route traffic for your domain. DNS records control things like:
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Where your website lives
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Where your email is delivered
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How third-party services verify your domain
You usually only need to modify DNS when:
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Setting up email marketing tools
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Verifying ownership of your domain
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Connecting external services
Step 1: Log In to Your Account Dashboard
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Go to https://fistbumpmedia.com and log in to your Hosting+cPanel account.
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Click Services → My Services.
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Select the hosting plan associated with the domain you want to manage.
Step 2: Open cPanel
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From your hosting service page, click Login to cPanel.
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You will be logged in automatically.
Step 3: Locate the Zone Editor
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Inside cPanel, scroll to the Domains section.
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Click Zone Editor.
Step 4: Select the Domain to Manage
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In the Zone Editor, find the domain you want to update.
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Click Manage next to that domain.
Step 5: Understand Common DNS Record Types
Before adding a record, it helps to know what each type is used for:
| Record Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| A | Points your domain to an IP address |
| CNAME | Points one domain/subdomain to another |
| MX | Controls where email is delivered |
| TXT | Used for verification and email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) |
Most email marketing services will ask you to add TXT or CNAME records.
Step 6: Add a New DNS Record
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Click Add Record.
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Choose the record type provided by the service you’re connecting.
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Enter the required fields:
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Name (sometimes called Host or Record Name)
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TTL (leave default unless instructed otherwise)
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Value (provided by the service)
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Click Save Record.
Step 7: Common DNS Use Cases
Email Marketing Authentication
You may be asked to add:
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SPF (TXT)
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DKIM (TXT or CNAME)
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DMARC (TXT)
These help improve deliverability and prevent spam filtering.
Domain Verification
Many services require a TXT or CNAME record to confirm domain ownership.
Website or Subdomain Setup
A or CNAME records may be used to connect sites or landing pages.
Step 8: DNS Propagation (Important)
DNS changes are not instant.
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Most updates take 15 minutes to a few hours
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In some cases, it can take up to 24 hours
During this time, services may show a “pending” or “not verified” status.
Troubleshooting Tips
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Double-check spelling and punctuation
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Make sure there are no extra spaces
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Confirm you are editing the correct domain
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Leave TTL at default unless instructed otherwise
If you’re unsure, it’s always safe to contact support before saving changes.
When to Contact Support
Please open a support ticket if:
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You’re unsure which record type to use
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You’re receiving conflicting instructions
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Email stops working after a change
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You want us to add the records for you
Related Articles (Coming Soon):
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Understanding DNS Record Types
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Email Deliverability and Authentication
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Troubleshooting Email Delivery Issues
Conclusion
Updating DNS records through cPanel’s Zone Editor allows you to connect services, verify domains, and improve email deliverability. While DNS can seem intimidating, most changes are simple when following the instructions provided by your service.
If you ever feel unsure, Fistbump Media Support is here to help.
