Add DNS Records to HostGator
To send emails using your private domain name, you will first need to add your domain and create a subdomain within your Benchmark account. After the subdomain has been added, Benchmark will generate the DNS records that you must add in your HostGator account under your Domains Advanced DNS settings.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for adding the Benchmark DNS records to HostGator.
Topics Covered in This Article
Before Getting Started
- Benchmark does not have access to your domain provider account.
- Your DNS records are unique to the domain and subdomain you added to Benchmark.
- Once your records are created, find them under Email Settings > Domain.
- Propagation can take up to 48 hours.
How to Add Your DNS Records to HostGator
- Log in to your Hostinger cPanel.
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In the left sidebar, select Domains.
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If more than one domain, select your domain and scroll down to Advanced Tools.
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Select Manage next to Advanced Settings.
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Select Add Record.
- Begin by adding the records assigned in Benchmark. Add one record at a time.
- Type: click to select the record type.
- In Refers To: select Other.
- Host name: Paste the hostname provided in Benchmark.
- In Value or Alias To: paste the value provided in Benchmark.
- Priority: 10 (only used in the MX record)
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TTL: Use the suggested time in your domain provider. If none is given, you can apply 1 hour or 3600 seconds.
- After adding the record information, select ADD.
- Repeat for each record provided.
After you have finished adding the records, you may return to your Benchmark account to complete the process. If you have navigated away from the records screen, you can still verify your work by checking your domain in the Domain page. From there, click the Retry Verification button next to the domain you are validating. This will initiate a web check to confirm whether the records were added successfully. Please note that DNS record propagation—once the records are valid on the web—can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours.
Until the records are propagated, you will see a Verification Pending status.
Once verification is complete, the status will update to Ready to Send.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will adding these records affect my existing website or email?
No. These records only apply to the subdomain you added in Benchmark — they don't change or remove any existing records on your root domain.
How long does it take for my records to be verified?
Most records are verified within a few hours, but DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate. If your domain still shows as unverified after 48 hours, double-check that each record matches exactly what's listed on your Domain page in Benchmark.
What if I don't see a DNS settings option in my account?
Look for a section called DNS Management, Advanced DNS, or Zone Editor — the exact name varies by provider. If you can't find it, contact [Domain Provider]'s support team directly, since Benchmark doesn't have access to your domain provider account.
Can I add records for more than one subdomain?
Yes. Each subdomain you verify in Benchmark gets its own unique set of records. Add each subdomain in Benchmark first, then repeat the steps above for each one.