How to Update or Change DNS Records
Understanding DNS
If you run a website, you need to know how important it is to keep everything up to date and functioning properly. One crucial aspect of website maintenance is updating DNS records. DNS or Domain Name System is the system that translates a website’s domain name into an IP address that computers can understand. Without up-to-date DNS records, your website won’t be able to function properly.
Updating DNS records may sound like a big task, especially for those who are not familiar with the technical aspects of web hosting. However, it is a crucial step in managing your website, as DNS records determine how visitors access your site., but it’s actually quite straightforward. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process and answer some frequently asked questions to make sure you have everything you need to keep your website running smoothly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Updating DNS Records
- Log in to your cPanel account.
- Scroll down to the “Domains” section and click on “Zone Editor“.
- In the “Zone Editor” page, locate the domain name you want to update the DNS records for and click on “Manage“.
- Locate the “Add a Record” section and select the “Type” of the DNS record you want to add (e.g. A, CNAME, TXT, etc.).
- Fill in the necessary fields for the DNS record, such as the “Name” (subdomain), “TTL” (Time to Live), and “Record” (destination IP address or domain name).
- Click on the “Save Record” button to save the new DNS record.
- If you want to edit or delete an existing DNS record, simply click on the corresponding icons under the “Actions” column.
- Once you have made all the necessary changes, click on the “Save Zone” button to apply the changes to your DNS records.
- Wait for changes to propagate. This can take between 24-48 hours to complete but in most cases, it can be lesser.
Some Common DNS Records
- A record (Address record): This type of DNS record maps a domain name to an IP address. It’s the most commonly used type of DNS record and is used to direct traffic to a specific web server.
- CNAME (Canonical Name) record: A CNAME record maps one domain name to another. For example, if you have multiple subdomains that point to the same IP address, you can create a CNAME record to avoid redundancy.
- MX (Mail Exchange) record: An MX record specifies the mail server responsible for accepting email messages on behalf of a domain name. This type of DNS record is essential for email delivery and must be set up correctly to ensure reliable email service.
- TXT (Text) record: A TXT record allows you to add arbitrary text to a DNS record. This can be used for a variety of purposes, such as adding SPF (Sender Policy Framework) or DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) information to your DNS records.
- SRV (Service) record: An SRV record is used to specify the location of a specific service, such as a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) server for VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls.
- AAAA (IPv6 Address) record: This type of DNS record maps a domain name to an IPv6 address. It’s used to support the newer IPv6 protocol, which provides more IP addresses than the older IPv4 protocol.
If you’re not sure which DNS records you need to update, you can consult our support team to assist you further.
Tips for Updating DNS Records
Updating DNS records can be a simple process, but it’s important to follow best practices to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Here are some tips for updating DNS records:
- Make sure to double-check your changes before saving them. A simple typo or mistake can cause your website to go down, so it’s important to be thorough.
- Keep a record of your changes. If you need to revert back to a previous DNS record, having a record of your changes can be helpful.
- Be patient. As mentioned earlier, it can take up to 24-48 hours for DNS changes to fully propagate. Be patient and allow the changes to take effect before troubleshooting any issues.
FAQs
Q: What happens if I update my DNS records incorrectly?
A: If you update your DNS records incorrectly, it can cause your website to go down or become inaccessible. Make sure to double-check your changes and keep a record of your previous DNS records in case you need to revert back to them.
Q: Do I need to update my DNS records if I switch web hosts?
A: Yes, if you switch web hosts, you’ll need to update your DNS records to point to the new web host’s server. This ensures that visitors can still access your website.
Q: Can I update multiple DNS records at once?
A: This will depend on your domain registrar’s website. Some domain registrars allow you to update multiple DNS records at once, while others require you to update them individually.
Q: How often do I need to update my DNS records?
A: It’s a good idea to review and update your DNS records periodically, especially if you make changes to your website or web hosting settings.