How to change DNS: guide for beginners

Changing DNS: when and how

DNS changes are needed when switching hosting, setting up email, or activating a CDN. This guide explains how to do this.

Two types of DNS changes

Changing nameservers

You move complete DNS management to another party. Do this when:

• Switching to new hosting
• Activating Cloudflare or other CDN
• Centralizing DNS management

Changing individual records

You adjust specific settings while DNS management stays with the same party. Do this when:

• Pointing website to new server (A record)
• Configuring email (MX records)
• Verifying services (TXT records)

Changing nameservers

Step 1: Look up new nameservers

Your new hosting provider gives you nameservers, for example:

• ns1.hostingprovider.com
• ns2.hostingprovider.com

Step 2: Log in to your registrar

Log in to the party where your domain is registered.

Step 3: Find DNS/Nameserver settings

Look for:

• "DNS management"
• "Nameservers"
• "DNS servers"

Step 4: Replace nameservers

Replace current nameservers with the new ones. Save.

Step 5: Wait for propagation

DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate worldwide, but usually it's done within a few hours.

Changing DNS records

Add/change A record

1. Go to DNS management at your provider
2. Find existing A records or click "New record"
3. Fill in:
   • Type: A
   • Name: @ (for main domain) or subdomain
   • Value: the IP address
   • TTL: 3600 (or lower for tests)
4. Save

Set up MX records

For email with external provider (Gmail, Microsoft 365):

1. Remove existing MX records
2. Add new MX records from your email provider
3. Pay attention to priority (lower numbers = higher priority)

Add TXT record

For SPF, DKIM or domain verification:

1. Choose record type TXT
2. Name: @ (or specific subdomain)
3. Value: the complete TXT string (including quotes if needed)

Troubleshooting

Changes not visible

• Wait for propagation (check via whatsmydns.net)
• Clear your local DNS cache
• Verify you're changing at the correct provider

Website not working after change

• Check if IP address is correct
• Check if server is configured for your domain
• See if SSL still works

Email not working

• Check MX records
• Wait at least 1 hour after change
• Verify SPF and DKIM records

Tips

• Note old settings before changing
• Lower TTL to 300 before major changes
• Test outside business hours
• Use DNS lookup tools to verify