What Is an AAAA Record in DNS?
You may have come across an A record, a type of DNS record that contains only IPv4 addresses. However, if your website uses an IPv6 address, an AAAA record will hold IPv6 addresses. AAAA records in the DNS system are designed to translate domain names to IPv6 addresses. In this article, learn what an AAAA record is, what it looks like, and how to add one.
What is an AAAA record?
An AAAA record, sometimes called a quad A record, is a type of DNS record that maps a domain name to an IPv6 address, allowing devices to connect over IPv6 networks. The A, in this case, stands for address.
AAAA records function similarly to A records, except that they point to IPv6 addresses instead of IPv4 addresses. Communication between the source and destination is possible because the AAAA record type is assigned the destination's IPv6 address.
These records are stored in a DNS zone on the authoritative server located on a company's network or at its website host company. A DNS zone is a virtual container that holds all the DNS records for a specific domain name and its subdomains. The DNS authoritative server responds to DNS queries for a particular DNS zone.
Why do we use AAAA records?
The A record is the most common DNS record type, and it maps a domain name to an IPv4 IP address. IPv4 addresses are the traditional way of identifying devices on the Internet, consisting of four numbers separated by dots like 172.217.160.1.
However, due to the ever-growing number of Internet users and devices, IPv4 addresses are becoming increasingly scarce. IPv6 addresses were designed to address this limitation. They offer a vast address space with a different addressing scheme. It comprises eight hexadecimal digit groups separated by colons like 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334.
Quad A records were introduced to facilitate the transition to IPv6. They associate a domain name with an IPv6 IP address.
How AAAA records work
Several actions occur in the background when you enter a domain name in your browser. Here's how quad A records contribute to the process:

- Your device creates a DNS query. Your device sends a request to a DNS resolver, asking for the IP address of the domain name you entered.
- The resolver performs AAAA record lookup. The DNS resolver checks the domain's DNS records for a quad A record.
- The resolver retrieves the IPv6 address. If a record exists, the resolver retrieves the corresponding IPv6 address.
- The connection is established. If your device is configured to use IPv6, it connects with the website using the retrieved IPv6 address.
However, if the domain doesn't have an AAAA DNS record or your device isn't set up for IPv6, the DNS resolver will typically look for an A record to maintain the connection.
How to manage AAAA records
Your domain registrar is responsible for creating and managing AAAA records. They provide a control panel through which you can access and modify your domain's DNS records.
To manage the records, follow these steps.
- Access your DNS management interface. Log in to your domain registrar or DNS hosting provider's website and navigate to the DNS management section.
- Locate the AAAA records. Find the section for managing quad A records within the DNS management interface. It may be labeled Manage DNS, DNS Settings, or something similar.
- Add a new AAAA record. To create a new one, select the option to add a record and enter the necessary information, including the domain name and IPv6 address.
- Edit existing records. If you need to modify an existing quad A record, locate the record in the list of DNS records and select the option to edit. Update the domain name or IPv6 address as required.
- Delete the records. To remove a quad A record, locate it in the list and select the option to delete or remove it. Confirm the deletion when prompted.
- Verify changes. After making any changes to quad A records, verify that the updates have propagated throughout the DNS system using online DNS lookup services.
How IP addresses link to quad A records
We know DNS AAAA records link domains to IPv6 addresses, but how does that work? The DNS resolution kicks in when you type a domain name in your browser. This process ensures your device can connect to websites using IPv6 for quad A records.
A DNS resolver server searches other authoritative DNS servers for the requested domain name information. If your request involves connecting via IPv6, the resolver looks explicitly for the domain's quad A record.
Once found, the resolver retrieves the corresponding 128-bit IPv6 address. The address then travels back through the chain of DNS servers, eventually reaching your browser and delivering the requested webpage.
What does an AAAA record look like?
The AAAA record format adheres to the format laid out in RFC 1035. Here’s an example of an AAAA record:
Domain name | Record type | Address | TTL |
example.com | AAAA | 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334 | 14400 |
The AAAA record applies to the domain name example.com. The trailing period indicates the root of the DNS hierarchy.
AAAA indicates the DNS record type.
2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334 is the IPv6 address corresponding to the domain name.
14400 stands for Time To Live. It specifies the time that a DNS resolver is allowed to cache the record before querying the authoritative DNS server again for an update.
Benefits of AAAA records
AAAA records are useful in several ways:
- Future-proofing. As IPv6 adoption increases, having quad A records ensures that your website or service remains accessible to users connecting via IPv6-enabled networks.
- IPv6 support. These records enable the adoption of IPv6, the next generation of internet protocol addressing.
- Improved performance. In some cases, IPv6 connectivity can offer improved performance compared to IPv4, particularly for networks with IPv6-specific optimizations.
- Enhanced security. Some features built into IPv6 can contribute to a more secure online environment. Enhancements such as larger address space, built-in IPsec support, and improved network-layer security mechanisms boost security.
- Global reach. With dual-stack support (AAAA and A records), you can ensure seamless user access regardless of network configuration.
Best practices for AAAA records
While implementing quad A records is a step towards improving your website's user experience, proper management is crucial for optimal performance. Here are some key best practices to keep in mind.
Accuracy is paramount
A mistake in the lengthy 32-character IPv6 address within an AAAA record can have disastrous consequences. The address needs to be absolutely precise.
A typo can send your website traffic anywhere, resulting in potential downtime. To avoid such pitfalls, double-check your quad A records before implementation.
Include AAAA records during migrations
AAAA records are as important as A records and CNAME records. So, don’t forget AAAA records when migrating your website to a new hosting provider or switching your Internet service provider. Your new hosting plan should allow for record creation.
Manage TTLs wisely
When modifying an existing AAAA record, pay close attention to the current TTL value. Remember that users' devices will rely on the cached information for a certain duration.
If you plan to change your AAAA record, set the TTL to a very low value a few hours before the actual change. This ensures that outdated information is flushed from resolvers' caches quickly, helping minimize the risk of slow propagation.
Monitor your records
Periodically checking your AAAA records for accuracy and ensuring they function as intended is a good practice.
How do you troubleshoot AAAA records?
Even with the best-laid plans, issues can crop up. To keep your quad A records running strong, check what public DNS servers are returning with a tool like a DNS checker.
You can also configure firewalls to use IPv6 addresses. Once you confirm that your hardware supports IPv6, consider your wide-area network interfaces, NAT rules, and ACLs.
If all else fails, contact your DNS host’s support. They can provide guidance on properly propagating AAAA records.
Frequently asked questions
How do AAAA records differ from A records?
While A records map domain names to IPv4 addresses, quad A records perform the same function for IPv6 addresses. Both perform the same function, but they simply do it for different versions of IP addresses.
Can I have both AAAA and A records for the same domain?
Yes, it's common to have both records for the same domain to support IPv6 and IPv4 connectivity.
Do I need quad A records for my website?
At this point, there is no strict obligation to have quad A records. It all depends on whether your website is accessible over IPv6 networks. If it is, however, then yes, you will want to have these records for your site.
Is there a cost associated with using quad A records?
There's no additional cost directly associated with using quad A records. Most domain registrars include AAAA record management as part of their standard DNS management services.