Setting Up Wildcard DNS Records

This article explains how to set up wildcard DNS records for your Web60 website to automatically handle all subdomains.

What is a Wildcard DNS Record

A wildcard DNS record uses an asterisk (*) to match any subdomain that doesn't have a specific DNS record. For example, if someone visits shop.yourdomain.com or blog.yourdomain.com, the wildcard record will direct them to your main website if no other rules exist for those specific subdomains.

This is useful if you want to catch all possible subdomain visits without creating individual DNS records for each one.

Step 1: Access Your DNS Settings

1. Log into your Web60 portal
2. Go to the Domain Management section
3. Click on your domain name
4. Select "DNS Settings" or "Manage DNS"

If you need help finding these settings, check the guide on managing DNS settings for your domain.

Step 2: Create the Wildcard Record

1. Click "Add New Record" or similar button
2. In the "Type" dropdown, select "A Record" or "CNAME"
3. In the "Name" or "Host" field, enter: *
4. In the "Value" or "Points to" field:
   • For A Record: Enter your server's IP address (Web60 will provide this)
   • For CNAME: Enter your main domain (e.g., yourdomain.com)
5. Leave TTL as default (usually 3600 seconds)
6. Click "Save" or "Add Record"

Step 3: Verify the Record

DNS changes take time to spread across the internet. This is called propagation and usually takes 1-24 hours.

To test if your wildcard record is working:

1. Wait at least 1 hour after creating the record
2. Try visiting a random subdomain like test.yourdomain.com
3. It should redirect to your main website

Important Notes

• Wildcard records only catch subdomains that don't have specific DNS records
• If you create a specific record for blog.yourdomain.com later, that will override the wildcard for that subdomain only
• Your hosting must support the subdomains you're directing traffic to
• Some email services may conflict with wildcard records

For more complex DNS setups, you might also need CNAME records or subdomain websites.

If you're still stuck, contact Web60 support through your portal. Include your domain name and what you're trying to achieve with the wildcard record.

FAQ

Q: Will a wildcard DNS record affect my email?

A: It can interfere with email if you haven't set up proper MX records. Make sure your MX records are configured correctly before adding wildcard records.

Q: How long does it take for wildcard DNS to work?

A: DNS propagation typically takes 1-24 hours. Most changes are visible within 2-4 hours.

Q: Can I use wildcard records with subdomains of subdomains?

A: Standard wildcard records only work for one level (*.yourdomain.com). They won't catch something like test.shop.yourdomain.com.

Q: What happens if I create a specific record after setting up a wildcard?

A: The specific record takes priority. For example, if you have a wildcard record and then create blog.yourdomain.com, the specific blog record will be used instead of the wildcard.

Q: Do I need wildcard records for my website to work?

A: No, wildcard records are optional. Your main website will work fine without them. They're only needed if you want to automatically handle random subdomains.

Q: Can I delete a wildcard record if I don't need it anymore?

A: Yes, you can delete wildcard records the same way you delete other DNS records. Go to your DNS settings and remove the record with the * symbol.

Q: Will wildcard DNS records slow down my website?

A: No, DNS records don't affect website speed. They only determine where visitors are directed when they type in your domain name.