How to Add DNS Records to IONOS
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 record that you'll add to your IONOS account under DNS settings.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for adding the Benchmark DNS record to IONOS.
Topics Covered in This Article
Before Getting Started
- Benchmark does not have access to your IONOS account.
- Your DNS record is unique to the domain and subdomain you added to Benchmark.
- Once your record is created, find it under Email Settings > Domain.
- Propagation can take up to 48 hours, though changes are effective immediately at IONOS and typically take up to an hour to propagate externally.
How to Add Your DNS Record to IONOS
The instructions included in this article were developed using resources from IONOS.
- Log in to IONOS and go to the Domains & SSL section.
- Click the gear icon for the domain you're updating, under Actions, then click DNS.
- Click ADD RECORD and select NS under Type.
- Enter the details for your new NS record, using the values provided in Benchmark:
- Hostname: paste the host name provided in Benchmark.
- Point to: paste the value provided in Benchmark.
- TTL: optional — use the suggested time if one is given, or leave the default.
- Click Save.
After you have finished adding the record, 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 on 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 record was added successfully. Please note that DNS record propagation — once the record is valid on the web — can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours.
If the record is not added, your domain's verification will remain pending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will adding this record affect my existing website or email?
No. This record only applies to the subdomain you added in Benchmark — it doesn't change or remove any existing records on your root domain.
How long does it take for my record 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 the record matches exactly what's listed on your Domain page in Benchmark.
I need to fix a mistake in the record I added — what do I do?
Go back to the DNS area for your domain, find the NS record under Actions, click the gear icon, and choose Edit Record to update the Value or TTL. Changes take effect immediately at IONOS.
Can I add records for more than one subdomain?
Yes. Each subdomain you verify in Benchmark gets its own unique record. Add each subdomain in Benchmark first, then repeat the steps above for each one.