# Set up Netlify DNS Cannot create new A or AAAA record while NETLIFY or NETLIFYv6 records exist

**URL:** <https://answers.netlify.com/t/set-up-netlify-dns-cannot-create-new-a-or-aaaa-record-while-netlify-or-netlifyv6-records-exist/53097>\
**Category:** Support\
**Tags:** email, netlify-dns-https-ssl\
**Created:** [March 8, 2022, 6:39pm UTC](https://answers.netlify.com/t/set-up-netlify-dns-cannot-create-new-a-or-aaaa-record-while-netlify-or-netlifyv6-records-exist/53097 "2022-03-08T18:39:38Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Dan-O](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/netlify/user_avatar/answers.netlify.com/dan-o/32/35119_2.png) [@Dan-O](https://answers.netlify.com/u/Dan-O)\
**Post date:** [March 8, 2022, 6:39pm UTC](https://answers.netlify.com/t/set-up-netlify-dns-cannot-create-new-a-or-aaaa-record-while-netlify-or-netlifyv6-records-exist/53097/1 "2022-03-08T18:39:38Z")

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I’m trying to setup a custom domain using netlify DNS without messing up emails. (I’ve done that once but don’t know what I did wrong)

# netlify site name: quirky-wright-34421f

I’m trying to copy over the dns records but got the error cannot create new A or AAAA record while NETLIFY or NETLIFYv6 records exist.

My understanding is that this @ record will be replaced, so it’s ok that it is not transferred. But I should still copy over all the other records to make sure the mail service isn’t lost. Is that accurate?

Otherwise, if I don’t use Netlify DNS, can I just update the CNAME and A records of the www and apex domains without disrupting email?

Thanks!

 ![Screen Shot 2022-03-08 at 12.35.40 PM](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/netlify/original/3X/3/f/3ffb21c8cd483b68e61dceb94418fbbe43d699d3.png)

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**Author:** ![coelmay](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/netlify/user_avatar/answers.netlify.com/coelmay/32/24427_2.png) [@coelmay](https://answers.netlify.com/u/coelmay)\
**Post date:** [March 8, 2022, 9:09pm UTC](https://answers.netlify.com/t/set-up-netlify-dns-cannot-create-new-a-or-aaaa-record-while-netlify-or-netlifyv6-records-exist/53097/2 "2022-03-08T21:09:09Z")

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Hey @Dan-O

I don’t believe you will need any of the records shown there with the possible exception of _`mail`_ as they are all specific to the hosting service you are currently using.

Mail setup is done using MX records (see [[Support Guide] How can I receive emails on my domain?](https://answers.netlify.com/t/support-guide-how-can-i-receive-emails-on-my-domain/178) for more). It is possible your current provider has a guide to configuring email with MX records.

You have the option to [configure using external DNS](https://docs.netlify.com/domains-https/custom-domains/configure-external-dns/).