Introduction
Managing DNS records is essential for ensuring your domain functions correctly with your website. This guide explains what DNS records are and how to update them for Managed Domains and Self-managed Domains in Rapyd.
What Are DNS Records?
DNS records are settings that tell the internet how to route traffic to your domain. Common types include:
A Record: Points your domain to an IP address.
CNAME Record: Redirects one domain to another.
MX Record: Directs email traffic to your mail server.
For a complete overview, see our Guide to DNS Records.
How to Access the DNS Management Area
Managed domains use Rapyd's DNS servers, allowing you to update DNS records directly in the Rapyd dashboard. To access the DNS management area, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Access the Rapyd Dashboard
Log into your Rapyd account and navigate to Domains.
Step 2: Select Your Domain
Locate the domain you want to manage and click Manage.
Step 3: Verify Nameservers
Ensure the domain is using Rapyd's nameservers. You can find these listed under the domain's settings. If not, follow our Nameservers Guide to update them with your domain registrar. Do this before proceeding.
Ensure that you can see the green Active icon next to your domain.
How to Manage DNS Records (Add, Update, or Delete)
Adding DNS Records
Step 1: Click on Add record
Step 2: Choose the Record Type
Select the option from the drop down menu. This can also be changed in the modal window that appears for adding a new DNS record.
Step 3: Enter the DNS Record Details
Name: This is the domain or subdomain being pointed. Use “@” for the root domain (e.g., domain.com). There’s no need to input the whole domain name into this field (e.g., use "www" instead of “www.domain.com”).
Data: The destination of the record, for example, the IP address or hostname. This varies based on the record type.
TTL (time-to-live): The amount of time that a data packet or record should exist on a network. This can usually be left as Auto.
Step 4: Click Add record
Click Add record to finalize the process and add your DNS record.
Updating DNS Records
Step 1: Locate the DNS Record to Edit
In the DNS management area for your domain, scroll down to the DNS record that you want to edit. DNS records are organized by Domain records, Mail records, and Static records.
Step 2: Click the Edit Button (pencil icon)
A modal window will appear that allows you to edit the record details.
Step 3: Make the Necessary Changes
Name: This is the domain or subdomain being pointed. Use “@” for the root domain (e.g., domain.com). There’s no need to input the whole domain name into this field (e.g., use "www" instead of “www.domain.com”).
Data: The destination of the record, for example, the IP address or hostname. This varies based on the record type.
TTL (time-to-live): The amount of time that a data packet or record should exist on a network. This can usually be left as Auto.
Step 4: Click Save Changes
Once you have updated the record data, click the Save changes button to finalize the edits.
Deleting DNS Records
Step 1: Find the DNS Record to Delete
In the DNS management area for your domain, scroll down to the DNS record that you want to delete. DNS records are organized by Domain records, Mail records, and Static records.
Step 2: Click the Delete Button (trash can icon)
After clicking this button, you will see a pop up that asks you to confirm. Click Confirm to delete the DNS record. You can also Click Edit then delete record.
Step 5: Wait for changes to go live
You may need to wait a few minutes to see changes go live. DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to fully propagate worldwide.
Updating DNS Records for Self-Managed Domains
Self-managed domains have DNS records hosted outside of Rapyd, so you will need to go to wherever our domain's DNS records are hosted, this is usually your domain registrar or a DNS provider like Cloudflare.
You can find steps for updating DNS records at some popular domain registrars/DNS hosts in the links below:
Important Information
If "Setup required" showing for self-managed domain: If your domain shows the "Setup required" status in the Rapyd dashboard, it means the domain has been migrated to Rapyd's managed DNS but your nameservers are not yet updated. Update your domain's nameservers to Rapyd's listed nameservers. Once updated, DNS records can be managed directly in the dashboard.
Propagation Time: DNS changes might take up to 48 hours to propagate across the internet, though most changes with Rapyd Managed DNS take only a few minutes.
Backup Your DNS Settings: Before making any changes, consider saving your current DNS settings. This can help you revert back if needed. With Rapyd-managed domains, you can export your DNS zone file for safekeeping.
Keep Nameservers Consistent: Ensure your domain is always pointing to the correct nameservers. Using incorrect nameservers may lead to downtime or prevent DNS records from working properly.
Conclusion
Updating DNS records is straightforward with the Rapyd dashboard for managed domains or your registrar's tools for self-managed domains. Proper DNS management ensures seamless website functionality and service reliability. If you encounter issues, don’t hesitate to contact our support team for assistance.