How to Update Your DNS Records – on GoDaddy, Name Cheap et al.

DNS (Domain Name System) records are the backbone of how websites, email systems, and other online services communicate. They help route traffic to the correct servers and ensure that your digital assets, like email and websites, function smoothly. Whether you’re setting up a new email service, pointing your domain to a hosting provider, or verifying ownership for a third-party tool, understanding how to manage your DNS records is crucial to maintaining the functionality and security of your online presence.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of managing and updating DNS records. We’ll explain the different types of DNS records you might encounter, why each is important, and how to update them with popular domain registrars such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, Dynadot, and 123 Reg.

What Are DNS Records and Why Do They Matter?

DNS records act as instructions that guide the internet on how to handle requests for your domain. Common DNS records include:

  • A Records: Direct your domain to an IP address.
  • CNAME Records: Alias one domain to another.
  • MX Records: Specify mail servers for your domain.
  • TXT Records: Store text-based information, often for verification purposes.

By keeping your DNS records accurate and up-to-date, you can avoid issues like website downtime, email disruptions, or verification failures.

How to Update DNS Records

Here are the step-by-step instructions for managing DNS records across different registrars.

1. GoDaddy

  1. Log in to your GoDaddy account.
  2. Navigate to My Products and locate the domain you want to edit.
  3. Click on Manage DNS next to the domain name.
  4. Under the DNS Management page, identify the record you need to update (e.g., A, CNAME, MX, TXT).
  5. Click the pencil icon to edit the record or select Add to create a new one.
  6. Enter the required values (e.g., hostname, IP address, TTL) and save your changes.

For more details, check GoDaddy’s help page here.

2. Namecheap

  1. Log in to your Namecheap account.
  2. Go to the Domain List tab and click Manage next to your domain.
  3. Navigate to the Advanced DNS tab.
  4. Locate the DNS record you wish to edit or click Add New Record.
  5. Input the required information for the record type (e.g., A Record, CNAME).
  6. Save the changes by clicking the green checkmark.

For more details, check Namecheap’s help page here.

3. Dynadot

  1. Log in to your Dynadot account.
  2. Select My Domains from the left-side menu bar and click Manage Domains in the drop-down.
  3. Check the box next to your domain name(s) and click on the Action button.
  4. Choose DNS Settings from the Action list.
  5. On the DNS Settings page, select the Dynadot DNS setting from the top drop-down menu.
  6. Choose the Record Type you want to use from the drop-down menu, then enter the IP Address or Target Host of your web server in the text box.
  7. Add or edit records as needed (A Record, CNAME, MX, etc.).
  8. Click the Save Settings button to save your changes.

For more details, check Dynadot’s help page here.

4. 123 Reg

  1. Log in to your 123 Reg account.
  2. Select Manage All opposite Domains within the ‘All Products and Services’ section.
  3. You will now see a complete list of your purchased domain names. Select the domain you want to update from the provided list. If you can’t find your domain in this list, you may be able to find it on the Domain Name Overview page within the legacy Control Panel.
  4. If you’re using the current Control Panel, select DNS in the toolbar. If you’re using the legacy Control Panel, scroll down to the Advanced Domain Settings section and click Manage DNS.
  5. If you’re using the current Control Panel, you will now see a list of DNS records for your domain. From here, click Add New Record. If you’re using the legacy Control Panel, select the Advanced DNS tab near the top.
  6. Click Add New Entry or edit an existing record. Enter the required details.
  7. Once done, click Add or Save to complete the process.

For more details, check 123 Reg’s help page here.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Records Not Updating: Double-check for typos and ensure all fields are correctly filled.
  • Propagation Delays: DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate globally.
  • Email or Website Issues: Verify that all required records (A, MX, CNAME) are correctly configured and pointing to the right servers.

Best Practices for Managing DNS Records

  • Backup Your Records: Always export or document your current DNS settings before making changes.
  • Understand the TTL (Time to Live): Lower TTL values speed up propagation during updates.
  • Use Verification Tools: Tools like MXToolbox can validate your DNS settings and ensure functionality.
  • Prioritize Security: Keep your account credentials secure to prevent unauthorized changes.

Managing DNS records doesn’t have to be intimidating. By following these steps and leveraging the resources provided, you can ensure your domain settings are always optimized.

Need Help?

If you prefer to have professionals handle the process for you, contact our team at Pressific. We specialize in website and domain management to keep your online presence running smoothly.

Also read,

How to Update Your DNS Nameservers – on GoDaddy, Name Cheap et al.
Marianne

Marianne