Configure DNS wildcard

Configure wildcard DNS

What is wildcard DNS?

Wildcard DNS is a record that catches all subdomains that don't have a specific record. It's represented with an asterisk (*) and allows any subdomain to automatically point to an IP or domain without needing to create individual records for each one.

When to use wildcard DNS?

Wildcard DNS is useful when:

• ✅ You have many dynamic subdomains (e.g., each user has their subdomain)
• ✅ You want any subdomain to work automatically
• ✅ You need flexibility to create subdomains without configuring DNS each time

Configure wildcard with A record

Step 1: Access DNS panel

• Log in to the panel where you manage your DNS
• Look for the DNS or DNS Zone section

Step 2: Add wildcard A record

• Click Add Record or Add
• Select type A
• Fill in the fields:
  • Name/Host: * (asterisk)
  • Value/IP: Your server's IP (e.g., 23.175.40.20)
  • TTL: 3600 seconds
• Save the changes

Image 1: Wildcard A record configuration example.

Result:

After configuring this, any subdomain without a specific record will point to that IP:

• anything.yourdomain.com → 23.175.40.20
• test.yourdomain.com → 23.175.40.20
• user123.yourdomain.com → 23.175.40.20

Configure wildcard with CNAME record

You can also use wildcard with CNAME to point all subdomains to another domain:

• Type: CNAME
• Name: *
• Value: yourdomain.com (or destination domain)

Note: Some DNS systems don't allow CNAME wildcard at the root domain. Check your provider's limitations.

Configure wildcard in cPanel

Step 1: Access Zone Editor

• In cPanel, look for Zone Editor
• Select your domain

Step 2: Add wildcard record

• Click + A Record
• Name: *
• Address: Your server's IP
• Click Add Record

Record priority

Specific records have priority over wildcard:

• If you have an A record for www.yourdomain.com and a wildcard *.yourdomain.com
• The specific www record will be used first
• The wildcard only applies to subdomains without specific records

Example:

• A Record: www → 192.168.1.1
• Wildcard A: * → 23.175.40.20
• Result:
  • www.yourdomain.com → 192.168.1.1 (uses specific record)
  • blog.yourdomain.com → 23.175.40.20 (uses wildcard)

Verify that wildcard works

Option 1: Use ping

ping test123.yourdomain.com

You should see the IP configured in the wildcard.

Option 2: Use nslookup

nslookup anysubdomain.yourdomain.com

Option 3: From browser

• Wait for DNS propagation to complete
• Enter any subdomain in the browser
• It should resolve to the configured IP

Common use cases

1. Multi-tenant hosting:

When each client has their own subdomain:

• client1.yourdomain.com
• client2.yourdomain.com
• client3.yourdomain.com

All automatically point to the same server without creating individual records.

2. Development and testing:

To quickly create test subdomains:

• dev.yourdomain.com
• staging.yourdomain.com
• test.yourdomain.com

3. SaaS applications:

When each user has their own instance on a subdomain.

Common issues

Wildcard doesn't work

• Verify that the record is saved correctly
• Wait for DNS propagation to complete
• Verify there are no syntax errors
• Some DNS providers don't support wildcards

Conflict with specific records

• Remember that specific records have priority
• If a subdomain doesn't work, verify if it has a specific record
• Delete or modify the specific record if you want it to use the wildcard

Wildcard interferes with other services

• If you have services that need specific subdomains, create specific records for them
• The wildcard only affects subdomains without specific records

Limitations and considerations

• ⚠️ Not all DNS providers support wildcards
• ⚠️ Some services (like SSL certificates) may have issues with wildcards
• ⚠️ The wildcard can make unwanted subdomains work
• ✅ Specific records always have priority
• ✅ You can combine wildcard with specific records

Tips

• ✅ Use wildcard when you need many dynamic subdomains
• ✅ Create specific records for important subdomains (www, mail, etc.)
• ✅ Verify that your DNS provider supports wildcards
• ✅ Consider security implications (any subdomain will work)
• ✅ Document which subdomains use wildcard and which have specific records

Need help?

If you have questions about how to configure wildcard DNS or if it's the best option for your case, open a ticket from the billing.baires.host panel or contact us for support.

You can also reach us through our social media:

• Instagram: @baires_host
• Discord (active support): https://discord.gg/dzjauatAFN
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/baires.host