Every DNS lookup starts with a question: where does this domain live? For IPv4 traffic, the answer comes from an A record. For IPv6 traffic, the answer comes from an AAAA record. The name is not a typo. Each A in AAAA represents one byte of an IPv6 address, four bytes total, compared to one byte (one A) for an IPv4 address in the original naming scheme.
What is an AAAA record?
An AAAA record (pronounced "quad-A") is a DNS record type that maps a domain name or subdomain to an IPv6 address. Where an A record stores an IPv4 address like 93.184.216.34, an AAAA record stores an IPv6 address like 2606:2800:220:1:248:1893:25c8:1946.
IPv6 addresses are longer because the internet ran out of available IPv4 addresses. IPv6 provides a vastly larger pool of addresses, which means every device can have its own unique address without the workarounds that IPv4 required.
How does an AAAA record work?
The lookup process mirrors what happens with an A record. A browser or device asks a DNS resolver for the domain. If the client supports IPv6 and prefers it, the resolver requests the AAAA record from your authoritative nameserver. The nameserver returns the IPv6 address stored in the record, and the client connects to that address.
If no AAAA record exists, the client falls back to the A record and uses IPv4 instead. This is why many websites function perfectly without ever configuring AAAA records. IPv4 still handles the vast majority of web traffic today.
When both record types exist, modern systems use a mechanism called Happy Eyeballs to try IPv6 first and fall back to IPv4 if the IPv6 connection is slow or fails. The result is that visitors reach your site regardless of which protocol their network supports.
What is the difference between an A record and an AAAA record?
Both record types map a domain name to a server address. The difference is the address format they store.
- A record: Maps to an IPv4 address (four number groups, like 192.0.2.1)
- AAAA record: Maps to an IPv6 address (eight hexadecimal groups, like 2001:db8::1)
You configure them separately in your DNS panel. An A record does not automatically create an AAAA record, and vice versa. If your hosting provider supports both protocols, you add both records with the addresses they supply.
Do you need an AAAA record?
For most small and medium brands launching a website today, an A record alone is enough to get online. Your site will load for the overwhelming majority of visitors through IPv4.
You should add an AAAA record when any of the following apply.
- Your hosting provider gives you an IPv6 address alongside your IPv4 address
- Your audience includes users on IPv6-only networks (some mobile carriers and enterprise networks are moving in this direction)
- You want full dual-stack coverage so your domain is reachable on both protocols
- Your compliance or accessibility requirements specify IPv6 support
If your host does not provide an IPv6 address, there is nothing to configure. Skip the AAAA record and focus on getting your A record right first.
How to add an AAAA record
Adding an AAAA record follows the same process as any other DNS change. Log in to wherever your DNS is managed (your domain registrar or hosting panel, depending on where your nameservers point). Create a new record, select AAAA as the type, enter the hostname (use @ for the root domain or the subdomain label), and paste the IPv6 address from your hosting provider.
Set a TTL value consistent with your other records. If you are about to migrate servers, lower your TTL before making the change so updates propagate faster. The chapter on how DNS propagation works explains why timing matters.
Common AAAA record mistakes
Adding an AAAA record without IPv6 hosting. If your server does not listen on IPv6, an AAAA record pointing to a non-existent or wrong address can cause connection delays. Some clients try IPv6 first, wait for a timeout, then fall back to IPv4. Test that your server actually responds on IPv6 before publishing the record.
Typos in the IPv6 address. IPv6 addresses are longer and use hexadecimal characters. A single wrong character breaks the record. Copy the address directly from your hosting panel rather than typing it manually.
Forgetting subdomains. Just like A records, each subdomain that needs IPv6 support requires its own AAAA record. Configuring the root domain does not automatically cover www or other subdomains.
How WEMASY handles AAAA records
WEMASY focuses on getting your website live with the DNS records that matter most for your setup. When you connect a custom domain, the platform provides the exact A record values you need and guides you through verification. If your hosting configuration includes IPv6 support, the setup instructions cover AAAA records as well.
Domain management, hosting, SSL, and your website builder all live in one WEMASY subscription. See what is included on the pricing page.
What comes next
Understanding AAAA records completes the picture of how domain names map to server addresses on both IP protocols. For the broader context, revisit what an A record is, or read about how DNS propagation works when you make changes to either record type.
Frequently asked questions
Is an AAAA record required for my website to work?
No. An A record pointing to an IPv4 address is sufficient for most websites. AAAA records add IPv6 support but are optional unless your hosting provider requires them or your audience depends on IPv6 connectivity. With WEMASY's website builder, you can set this up directly on your website.
Can I have both an A record and an AAAA record?
Yes, and that is the recommended setup for dual-stack hosting. The A record handles IPv4 traffic and the AAAA record handles IPv6 traffic. Both can point to the same server if it supports both protocols.
Why is my site slower after adding an AAAA record?
If the IPv6 address in your AAAA record points to a server that does not respond on IPv6, some browsers attempt the IPv6 connection first, wait for it to fail, then retry over IPv4. That delay feels like a slow page load. Verify your server accepts IPv6 connections or remove the AAAA record until it does.
Does an AAAA record affect email delivery?
No. Email uses MX records, not A or AAAA records. Adding or removing an AAAA record has no impact on whether messages reach your inbox, as long as you do not accidentally modify your MX records at the same time.
How do I test whether my AAAA record is working?
Use an online DNS lookup tool to query the AAAA record for your domain and confirm it returns the expected IPv6 address. Then test from a device on an IPv6-enabled network by visiting your domain directly. If the site loads, the record is working.
Will IPv6 replace IPv4 entirely?
Not in the near term. IPv4 and IPv6 coexist, and most networks support both. The transition is gradual. Configuring both record types ensures your domain works today and remains ready as IPv6 adoption continues to grow.