How to Re-point Your Domain Name?

Re-pointing a domain name, also known as updating the DNS (Domain Name System) records, is a straightforward process. Whether you’re migrating to a new hosting server or changing your cloud hosting provider, understanding how to properly re-point your domain ensures smooth website performance and avoids disruptions. This article guides you through the steps required to re-point your domain name.

1. Understand Why You Need to Re-point Your Domain

Re-pointing your domain name can become necessary in various situations. For example, you may want to transfer your website to a new hosting provider or point your domain to a different server. This is common when upgrading your hosting plan or switching to cloud-based hosting services. When you update your DNS records, you essentially inform the internet where to find your website.

2. Prepare Your New Hosting Information

Before proceeding with the re-pointing process, make sure you have all the necessary details from your new hosting provider. These typically include:

Nameserver addresses (usually two or more)

IP address of your server (if required for A record updates)

Your new hosting service will provide these details. Without them, you cannot complete the re-pointing process.

3. Log Into Your Domain Registrar Account

The next step is to access the account where your domain is registered. This is typically the registrar where you purchased the domain name. You will need your account credentials to sign in. If you’re unsure about the login details, check your email for any registration or renewal confirmations that might contain the information.

Once logged in, locate the DNS management or domain settings section. This is where you will modify the domain’s records.

4. Update Your Domain's DNS Records

There are several types of DNS records that can be edited, but the primary ones you'll need to update are the A record and the nameservers.

Updating the A Record:

The A record links your domain to a specific IP address. If your hosting provider gave you a new IP address, update the A record. Follow these steps:

Find the A record section in your DNS management panel.

Replace the old IP address with the new one provided by your hosting provider.

Save the changes.

Updating the Nameservers:

If you’re changing your hosting provider or using a different cloud hosting service, you’ll need to update the nameservers.

Locate the section for nameservers in the DNS management panel.

Replace the old nameservers with the new ones provided by your hosting provider.

Save your changes.

5. Propagate Your DNS Changes

After updating your DNS records, the changes need time to propagate across the internet. This process can take anywhere from a few minutes to up to 48 hours. During this time, your domain might point to your old server or cloud provider temporarily.

You can check the status of the DNS propagation using various online tools. These tools help you see if the DNS records have been updated globally. Once the process is complete, your domain will point to the new server or cloud hosting provider.

6. Verify Your Website

After the DNS records have propagated, it's crucial to verify that your website is functioning correctly. Open a web browser and type in your domain name. Ensure that it loads properly, and that the website’s content reflects the new hosting setup. Test various pages to confirm that there are no broken links or missing content.

7. Troubleshoot If Necessary

In some cases, issues may arise after re-pointing the domain. If your site isn’t displaying correctly or is not pointing to the new server, try the following:

Clear your browser cache to ensure you're loading the latest version of the website.

Check DNS settings to make sure the A record and nameservers are correctly configured.

Contact your hosting provider for assistance if issues persist.

8. Maintain DNS Settings for the Future

Once your domain is successfully pointed to the new server or cloud hosting provider, it’s important to keep track of your DNS settings. Periodically review your DNS records, especially if you’re making changes to your cloud  infrastructure or cloud service. Always keep your hosting provider’s details handy for future reference.

Conclusion

Re-pointing your domain name is a simple yet essential process when changing hosting providers or switching to a cloud server. By following the steps outlined above, you ensure that your website stays accessible with minimal disruption. Always double-check your DNS settings and verify the changes to maintain smooth operations.