# Autodiscovery and autoconfiguration DNS records

> See which autodiscover and autoconfig DNS records cPanel creates so Outlook and Thunderbird can set up email automatically.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/cpanel/domains/autodiscovery-and-autoconfiguration-dns-records/

Modern e‑mail clients like **Microsoft Outlook** and **Mozilla Thunderbird** can automatically detect and configure e‑mail account settings. This is made possible through **autodiscovery** and **autoconfiguration DNS records**.

## What These Records Do

- Allow e‑mail clients to **auto‑discover server settings** (IMAP, POP3, SMTP).
- Simplify setup for end users — no need to manually enter server names or ports.
- Improve compatibility with Microsoft Exchange and other mail systems.

## Default Records in cPanel

By default, cPanel automatically creates the following DNS records for your domain:

- `autoconfig.example.com` → **A record**
- `autodiscover.example.com` → **A record**
- `_autodiscover._tcp.example.com` → **SRV record**

*(Replace* `example.com` *with your actual domain.)*

## Viewing or Editing Records

1. Log in to **cPanel**.
2. Go to **Domains → Zone Editor**.
3. Locate the records for `autoconfig` and `autodiscover`.
4. Use the **Advanced Zone Editor** if you need to delete or re‑create them.

## Re‑Creating Records

- **A Records**: Add entries for `autoconfig` and `autodiscover` pointing to your mail server’s IP.
- **SRV Record**: Re‑create `_autodiscover._tcp.example.com` with the correct service, protocol, priority, weight, port, and target.

## Notes

- These records usually do not cause issues.
- If problems occur, you can safely delete and re‑create them.
- Always ensure they point to the correct mail server for your domain.

## More Information

- Microsoft Exchange Autodiscover service: <https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb124251.aspx>