How to transfer CNAME records between DNS providers

If you have a website, you probably know what DNS is. DNS (Domain Name System) is a system that translates domain names (like example.com) into IP addresses (like 192.0.2.1) that computers can understand.

What are CNAME records?

CNAME records are used to map one domain name to another. They are a type of DNS record that is used to redirect traffic from one domain name to another. For example, you might have a CNAME record that maps www.example.com to example.com. This can be useful if you want to use a different domain name for your website, but still want to keep the same content.

CNAME records work by creating an alias for a domain name. When someone tries to access the alias, the DNS server redirects the request to the actual domain name. This allows you to use multiple domain names for the same website without having to create separate websites for each domain name.

One important thing to note about CNAME records is that they only work for subdomains. You cannot use a CNAME record to map a domain name to an IP address. For that, you need an A record.

Why transfer CNAME records?

If you are changing your DNS provider, you may need to transfer your CNAME records to the new provider. This is important because if your CNAME records are not set up correctly, your website may not be accessible at the same domain name.

When you change your DNS provider, you are essentially changing the address where your domain name is stored. If your CNAME records are not updated to reflect this change, your website will not be accessible at the same domain name. This can lead to confusion for your visitors and can also hurt your search engine rankings.

How to transfer CNAME records between DNS providers

Transferring CNAME records between DNS providers is usually a straightforward process. Here are the general steps:

• Log in to your current DNS provider's control panel.
• Find the CNAME record you want to transfer.
• Copy the record's details, including the domain name it maps to and the value it maps to.
• Log in to your new DNS provider's control panel.
• Create a new CNAME record with the same details as the old record.
• Wait for the DNS changes to propagate (this can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours).
• Test your website to make sure it's still accessible at the same domain name.

It's important to note that the process of transferring CNAME records may differ slightly depending on your DNS provider. Some providers may have different control panel layouts or may use different terminology for their DNS settings.

Additionally, it's important to make sure that you have all of your CNAME records transferred to your new DNS provider. If you have multiple CNAME records, make sure you transfer them all to avoid any potential issues.

If you are not comfortable transferring your CNAME records yourself, many DNS providers offer migration services that can help you transfer your records for you. These services can be especially helpful if you have a large number of records or if you are not familiar with the technical details of DNS.

Best Practices for Transferring CNAME Records

When transferring CNAME records between DNS providers, there are some best practices that you should follow to ensure a smooth transfer:

Backup your current DNS records

Before making any changes to your DNS settings, it's a good idea to create a backup of your current records. This will allow you to restore your settings if anything goes wrong during the transfer process. Most DNS providers have an option to export your DNS records as a file, which you can then save as a backup.

Reduce your DNS TTL

TTL (Time to Live) is the amount of time that DNS servers will cache your DNS records before checking for updated information. By reducing your TTL to a low value (such as 300 seconds), you can help ensure that any changes you make to your DNS records propagate quickly. This will help minimize downtime for your website during the transfer process.

Test your website before and after the transfer

Before you transfer your CNAME records, it's a good idea to test your website to make sure it's working properly. This will help you identify any issues that may exist before you make any changes. After the transfer, you should test your website again to ensure that everything is working as expected.

Don't make changes during the transfer process

While your DNS records are propagating, it's important not to make any changes to your DNS settings. This can cause inconsistencies and make it more difficult to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Monitor your DNS settings after the transfer

After the transfer is complete, it's a good idea to monitor your DNS settings for a few days to ensure that everything is working properly. This will help you identify any issues that may arise and allow you to quickly address them.

Conclusion

Transferring CNAME records between DNS providers is an important process that can help ensure the continued accessibility of your website. By following best practices and taking the time to properly transfer your records, you can minimize downtime and avoid any potential issues. If you are not comfortable transferring your records yourself, consider using a migration service to help with the process.