Domains & DNS guide
How to Point Your Domain to a New Host
In short
Your domain and your hosting are separate things. To go live on a new host, lower the TTL a day ahead, then change the domain's nameservers (or its A record) to point at the new server.
There are two ways to connect a domain to a host: change the nameservers, or change individual DNS records. Use nameservers unless you have a reason not to. It's simpler and harder to get wrong.
Option A: Change the nameservers (recommended)
Your new host gives you two or more nameservers (for example ns1.yourhost.co.uk). Log in to your domain registrar (where you bought the domain, such as GoDaddy or 123-reg), find "Nameservers", and replace the existing ones. Your host now manages all DNS for the domain.
Option B: Change individual DNS records
If you need to keep some records elsewhere (e.g. email on a different provider), leave the nameservers and instead edit records: point the A record for @ to your host's server IP, and the CNAME for www to your domain. Leave MX records pointing at your email provider.
Lower the TTL before you switch
TTL (time-to-live) tells the internet how long to cache a record. A day before changing anything, set the TTL to 300 seconds so your change takes effect in minutes rather than hours.
Understand propagation
DNS changes don't happen instantly worldwide: they "propagate". With a low TTL most visitors update within an hour, but allow up to 24–48 hours for everyone. Don't cancel your old host until it's done.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Changing nameservers and A records at the same time. Pick one method.
- Forgetting MX records, which knocks out email.
- Cancelling the old host before propagation finishes.
Not sure which records to change?
We'll set up your DNS correctly and handle the cut-over so your site and email keep working.
Talk to usQuestions
What's the difference between a domain registrar and a host?
The registrar is where you rent the domain name; the host is where your website's files live. The domain "points" to the host.
Why is my site not updating after changing DNS?
It's propagation and caching. With a low TTL it's usually under an hour. Clear your browser cache and try a different network to check.
Will changing nameservers break my email?
It can if your email is hosted elsewhere, because moving nameservers moves all your DNS. Either use the A-record method or recreate the MX records at the new host before you switch.