DNS, or Domain Name System, is the protocol that translates domain names to IP addresses, directing traffic to the correct server when a user types in a website address. When you change your hosting provider, you may need to update your DNS records to point to your new host's server. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Before you begin: Updating your DNS records may cause your website to be temporarily inaccessible, so it's generally best to make these changes during periods of low traffic.
Before you can update your DNS records, you'll need to know the IP address of your new hosting server. This information is usually provided in the welcome email you received when you signed up for hosting. If you can't find it, contact your hosting provider.
Your domain registrar is the company you purchased your domain name from. Log into your account on their website.
Once logged in, navigate to the DNS settings page. The exact location will vary depending on your registrar, but it's often under a section labeled "Domains," "Domain Management," or "DNS Settings."
In your DNS settings, you'll need to find the "A" records. These records map your domain to an IP address.
If you're changing your hosting provider, you'll need to change the "A" record that corresponds to your domain name. This will usually be an "@" record or it might be your full website address.
Change the IP address in this record to the one provided by your new hosting provider.
If you also need to change the "www" version of your website, you might need to update a CNAME record. Look for a CNAME record where the name or alias is "www", and change the corresponding address to your domain name.
After you've updated the necessary records, make sure to save your changes.
DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate around the world, although it's often much quicker. During this time, traffic may go to either your old or new host.
1. GoDaddy
Sign in to your GoDaddy Domain Control Center.
Select your domain to access the Domain Settings page.
Scroll down to the Additional Settings section and select "Manage DNS."
In the Records section, you'll see the A record. Click on the pencil icon to edit it.
Enter the new IP address provided by your new host and save the changes.
If necessary, repeat these steps for the CNAME record.
2. Namecheap
Sign in to your Namecheap account.
From the Dashboard, select "Domain List" from the left sidebar.
Click "Manage" next to your domain.
In the "Advanced DNS" tab, find the Host Records section.
Edit the A record and enter the new IP address provided by your new host.
Save the changes and, if necessary, repeat these steps for the CNAME record.
3. Bluehost
Log into your Bluehost control panel.
Click on "Domains" in the side navigation menu to the left.
Next to the domain name you wish to update, click on "Manage."
In the DNS section, click on "Edit."
Locate the A record, and click on "Edit Record."
Enter the new IP address in the "Points to" field.
Save the changes and, if necessary, repeat these steps for the CNAME record.
4. Google Domains
Sign in to Google Domains.
In the list of domains, click the domain you want to update.
In the left navigation panel, click "DNS."
Scroll down to the "Custom resource records" section.
Update the A record with the new IP address provided by your new host.
Save the changes and, if necessary, repeat these steps for the CNAME record.
Remember to allow time for the changes to propagate. Also, note that these instructions are meant for changing the DNS records, not changing nameservers. The steps for changing nameservers are different.