A solid foundation
Four parts with different jobs
The registrar manages your domain registration. The DNS provider manages the domain’s records. Your hosting provider runs the website, while email can be with the same or a different supplier. Record who has access and management responsibility for each part.
Changing the website’s DNS record is different from replacing all nameservers. When changing nameservers, the new DNS zone must also contain the existing services. Otherwise email or verification may stop working even though the new website loads.
Prepare the switch
Save the existing DNS settings and list the website, email, subdomains and external verifications. Then request the exact values your new service needs. Do not copy an arbitrary IP address from a guide: the correct destination depends on your environment.
DNS answers are cached temporarily. The TTL says how long an answer may be stored, so changes are not visible everywhere immediately. Lowering a TTL afterwards does not remove existing caches. Schedule a checking period during which old and new results may differ.
Who manages each part?
| Part | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Registration | Registrar, owner, renewal date and access to the domain account. |
| DNS | Active nameservers and the complete existing set of records. |
| Website and email | The separate providers and the settings each service requires. |
A careful domain change
- Export or record current DNS settings and account owners.
- Check the new website before sending visitors to it.
- Change only the necessary records and preserve existing email settings.
- Check the website, HTTPS and both sending and receiving email afterwards.
Questions about domains and DNS
Must my domain be with my hosting provider?
No. Registration and hosting can remain separate. You do need access to the right DNS settings to connect the domain.
Why do I still see the old website?
An earlier DNS answer or browser cache may still be used. Check the configured records and allow for their cache duration.
Does my mailbox move automatically?
No. Email is a separate service. Preserve its existing settings or arrange a separate email migration with the provider involved.
Read more from the source: MDN · DNS · MDN · TTL
Connect your domain with a clear approach
Include your domain, where DNS is managed and which services must keep working. Do not share account passwords.