DNS changes for beginners
DNS changes tell the internet where your domain’s website, email and verification services should go
Change records only at the authoritative DNS provider and copy the host, type and value exactly. A website A or CNAME record is different from email MX and TXT records. Save the current zone first and avoid resetting everything to fix one record.
Where should you edit DNS?
The nameservers show which provider is authoritative. UKC DNS Manager is authoritative when a parked domain uses ns.ukc.uk and ns2.ukc.uk. The older Microlite parking nameservers remain synonymous and supported. Shared hosting commonly uses the nameservers for its assigned ukc10.uk to ukc13.uk server. If the domain uses another provider’s nameservers, edit the zone there.
What do common DNS records do?
| Type | Purpose | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| A | Points a hostname to an IPv4 address | Using a web address instead of an IP address |
| AAAA | Points a hostname to an IPv6 address | Leaving an old record that sends some visitors elsewhere |
| CNAME | Makes one hostname an alias of another hostname | Using it where another record at the same host conflicts |
| MX | Directs incoming email to mail servers | Removing existing mail routing during a website change |
| TXT | Stores verification and email policy text | Combining unrelated SPF policies incorrectly |
How do you make a DNS change safely?
- 1Save the current zone
Record every existing host, type, value and priority.
- 2Confirm the source instruction
Use the live setup panel from the website or email provider, not an old example.
- 3Change only required records
Add, edit or remove the exact conflicting record without resetting unrelated services.
- 4Wait and test
Allow caches to refresh, then test the website, HTTPS and both incoming and outgoing email.
DNS questions
How long do DNS changes take?
Authoritative updates can be quick, but recursive resolvers retain old data until its TTL expires. Different users can therefore see different answers temporarily.
Why does the website work but email does not?
Website and email records are separate. Check that MX and related TXT records still match the mail provider.
Should I change nameservers or individual records?
Use individual records when connecting one service while keeping the current DNS provider. Changing nameservers moves authority for the whole zone and requires every needed record at the new provider.
What is a blank or @ host?
It usually means the root domain itself. Interfaces display it differently, so follow the DNS manager’s host-field guidance.
Before saving
Check the authoritative provider and protect existing email records
Save the old value so you can roll back if the new service does not work.