Know How to Change DNS Settings in Google Domains

Dealing with digital can be surreal at times, with terms and concepts even akin to learning a foreign language, like the need to configure technical settings for your domain. One highly important aspect that often requires optimization is the DNS (Domain Name System) which, in its essence, is a mechanism that links your site’s domain name with the server IP address. Modifying these options can optimize website functionality, improve security, and potentially assist with switching to new services. 

In this knowledge base, we will explain how to change DNS settings in Google Domains. Let’s get started!

What is DNS, and Why is it Important?

DNS refers to a domain name system which is said to be an Internet public directory. When you enter an address in your browser your computer will go to the DNS server where it will take that domain name and translate it into the correct IP address that can be used for the browser to request the internet resources. 

Underlying every communication on the Internet is the idea of an IP Address, which represents the address of every connected device used for identification. DNS servers eliminate further need for humans to remember IP addresses such as 192. 168. 1. 1 (in IPv4), or more complex newer alphanumeric IP addresses such as 3ffe:188.165.73.95 > 1900:4545:3:200:0:f8ff:fe21:67cf in IPv6.

Reasons to Change DNS Settings

You might need to change your DNS settings for several reasons:

Switching hosting providers: How to Migrate a WordPress Site to a New Host Most customers will want to change their WordPress website host at some point in time. It may be because they are not happy with the current hosting service or they have an offer from a new host.

Improving website performance: In some cases, it is simply beneficial to change to a different DNS hosting company as it may help to lower latency or increase site availability and speed.

Adding security features: There are several DNS service providers that provide extra security such as increased DDoS capabilities, internet filtering and antiphishing.

Changing DNS Settings in Google Domains

Let's go right to the point: how to modify your Google Domains DNS settings. Google provides a registrar service called Google Domains that lets you buy and administer domain names. Google offers an easy-to-use interface for efficiently managing DNS settings. Here is a step-by-step manual to assist you in completing this procedure:

Step 1: Log in to Your Google Account

First, you have to log in to your Google Domains account. Google Domains: Sign into Google and visit Google Domains. After entering the account, the user will see their domain list. Now click on the domain name you want to modify the DNS settings associated with.

Step 2: Navigate to the DNS Section for the associate to the DNS section.

Next have your preferred domain selected and click on the menu on the left side of the page and click on DNS. This control panel enables you to configure all DNS characteristics assigned to your domain.

Step 3: How to Choose Your DNS Type.

Google Domains offers two primary types of DNS settings:Google Domains offers two primary types of DNS settings:

Use the Google Domains name servers: This is important to most users as it receives update from Google and is usually more reliable and faster.

Use custom name servers: Another DNS can be other Cloudflare, NS1 and it is possible to choose the option of the name servers that are provided by the hosting provider.

Step 4: Edit DNS Records

If you choose to use Google Domains name servers, you’ll be able to edit your DNS records directly in Google Domains. 

Here, you can modify various records such as A, AAAA, MX, TXT, and CNAME records. Click on the 'Edit' button next to the respective record to make changes.

A Record: Links your domain to an IP address.

MX Record: Directs your domain’s email traffic to your email provider.

TXT Record: Provides text notes to your domain record, often used for verification purposes.

CNAME Record: Redirects one domain or subdomain to another domain name, useful for subdomains.

Step 5: Save Changes

Now click 'Save' at the bottom of the page. DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate across the Internet.

How DNS Settings Impact SEO and Accessibility

Beyond technical optimizations, DNS settings play a crucial role in a website’s search engine optimization (SEO) and accessibility. Search engines like Google consider website speed as a ranking factor; therefore, using a DNS service that enhances performance can potentially improve SEO rankings. Moreover, reliable DNS configurations ensure that your website remains accessible to users worldwide without interruptions.

Efficient DNS management can also mitigate risks associated with downtime or DNS-related errors, which could negatively impact user experience and SEO performance. By understanding how DNS influences these factors, website owners can leverage DNS settings strategically to enhance both the visibility and usability of their online presence.

Final Thoughts

Adjusting the name server may seem somewhat complicated, but with Google Domains help, it can be done in no time at all. DNS management is a vital skill that any website owner will need – website transfers to a new host or additional domain functions. However, it is important to note that changes to DNS settings can affect your site, and altering settings may imply that your site is inaccessible.

Controlling DNS settings enables both users and those managing the domain to ensure that the domain is connected and functions properly in the world-wide web.