HTTPS and SVCB are newer types of DNS records that let visitors' browsers and apps discover connection details — like which protocols and encryption a service supports — before they even connect. This article explains what these two record types do and how to add one through your Hover account.
HTTPS records
The HTTPS record type is used specifically for web traffic. It lets a domain advertise support for newer protocols like HTTP/2 and HTTP/3 directly through DNS, which can speed up the initial connection to a website.
An HTTPS record has three parts: a priority value, a target, and a set of parameters. For example:
example.com. 300 IN HTTPS 1 . alpn="h3,h2"
Field | What it means |
|---|---|
Priority | Determines the order records should be tried. A priority of 0 means AliasMode; any other value means ServiceMode. |
Target | The target hostname for the service. A single dot (.) means the record applies to the domain's own hostname. |
Parameters | Key-value pairs describing supported capabilities, such as alpn (supported protocols), port, and IP address hints. |
Common parameters include:
Parameter | What it does |
|---|---|
alpn | Lists supported protocols, such as h2 (HTTP/2) and h3 (HTTP/3). |
port | Specifies an alternate port for the service. |
ipv4hint | Provides IPv4 addresses as hints, to help clients skip an extra lookup. |
ipv6hint | Provides IPv6 addresses as hints, to help clients skip an extra lookup. |
SVCB records
SVCB (Service Binding) records work the same way as HTTPS records, but for services other than web traffic — for example, custom application protocols.
Example:
_service.example.com. 300 IN SVCB 1 service-target.example.net. alpn="h2" port=8443
Field | What it means |
|---|---|
Priority | Determines the order records should be tried. |
Target | The target hostname providing the service. |
Parameters | Key-value pairs describing supported capabilities and connection details for the service. |
Note: Unlike HTTPS records, SVCB records require the service name to be included in the hostname itself (for example, _service.example.com).
Step 1: Add an HTTPS or SVCB record through Hover
- Sign in to your Hover control panel using your chosen method of 2FA.
- From the domain's Overview page, click the DNS section, then click Add a record.
- Select HTTPS or SVCB as the record type.
- Enter the hostname, priority, target, and any required parameters.
- Save the record.
Note: DNS changes can take up to 24–48 hours to fully propagate across the internet.
Next steps
- New to DNS records generally? See Managing DNS records for the full record type reference and how to add other record types.
- Want the fundamentals of DNS first? See How does DNS work?.
Questions? Contact Hover Support.
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