Why it’s very important to change your DNS settings after purchasing a new domain name, the potential risks of not doing so, and how to change them to ensure full control and avoid downtime, while improving website performance.
When you acquire a new domain name, there are a few important steps you need to take to ensure it is fully under your control. One of the most important of these steps is changing your DNS settings.
DNS, or Domain Name System, is essentially the phone book of the internet. It maps domain names (like google.com) to IP addresses (like 216.58.194.174), allowing web browsers and other applications to find the servers hosting a website.
When you purchase a domain name from a registrar, they will typically assign it default DNS settings that point to their own DNS servers. However, if the domain was previously owned, the registrar may retain the old DNS settings associated with the domain.
Why is it important to change your DNS settings after acquiring a domain?
- Preventing unauthorized access
If you don’t change the DNS settings, the previous owner of the domain could potentially still have access to it. They could make changes to the domain’s settings, redirect traffic to a different website, or even take the domain back.
- Avoiding downtime
If the previous owner’s DNS settings are still in place, they may have set up subdomains or other configurations that are specific to their website. If you’re using those same DNS settings, it could cause issues or downtime for your website.
- Improving website performance
By changing your DNS settings, you can choose a DNS provider that offers better performance or more advanced features. For example, some DNS providers offer better protection against DDoS attacks or faster response times.
- Customizing your domain
If you want to create custom subdomains or other DNS configurations for your domain, you’ll need to change the DNS settings to point to your own DNS provider.
How to change your DNS settings
Changing your DNS settings is a relatively simple process, but it may vary slightly depending on your registrar. In general, here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
- Log in to your registrar account and navigate to the domain management page for the domain you want to modify.
- Look for an option to change the DNS settings. This may be labeled “DNS settings,” “Nameservers,” or something similar.
- Replace the default DNS settings with the new DNS settings you want to use. This may involve entering the IP addresses of your new DNS provider, or it may involve entering custom DNS records.
- Save the changes and wait for them to propagate. It may take several hours or even up to a day for the new DNS settings to take effect.
Should you always change your DNS settings?
In general, it’s a good idea to change your DNS settings after acquiring a new domain. This ensures that you have full control over the domain and that it’s configured properly for your needs.
However, there may be some cases where you want to keep the existing DNS settings. For example, if the previous owner had specific DNS configurations that you want to retain, or if you’re working with a hosting provider that requires specific DNS settings.
In these cases, it’s still a good idea to review the existing DNS settings and ensure that they’re appropriate for your needs. If you’re not sure what the DNS settings do or how they’re configured, it’s a good idea to consult with a technical expert or your hosting provider.
Changing your DNS settings after acquiring a domain name is an important step to take. It ensures that you have full control over the domain and that it’s configured properly for your needs. Whether you’re a domainer or a business owner, taking the time to properly configure your DNS settings can help you avoid downtime, improve website performance, and prevent unauthorized access.
Have you ever experienced any issues with DNS settings when acquiring a new domain name, and how did you resolve them?