How to Manage DNS Settings in Cloudways Hosting

DNS, or Domain Name System, is like a phone book for the internet. It helps computers find websites using easy-to-remember names instead of complicated numbers called IP addresses. When someone types a website name into their browser, DNS translates that name into the correct IP address. This process allows the browser to connect to the right server and show the website. Cloudways is a platform that makes it easy to host websites. It offers different ways to manage your DNS settings.  

Managing DNS correctly is very important. It ensures your website works properly and people can find it easily. This writing explains four ways to manage DNS settings within Cloudways hosting. Each method has its own benefits and uses. Understanding these methods helps you control how people access your website. It also gives you more control over your website’s performance and availability.  

Using the Cloudways DNS Management Tool

Cloudways provides its own built-in DNS management tool. This tool simplifies the process of managing DNS records directly within the Cloudways platform. You can access it through your Cloudways account. Then, you select the server where your website is hosted. After that, you can find the DNS management section. This tool allows you to add, edit, and delete various DNS records. These records include A records, CNAME records, and MX records. A records point your domain to a specific IP address. CNAME records create aliases for your domain. MX records handle email routing. 

Furthermore, the Cloudways DNS management tool offers a user-friendly interface. This interface makes it easy to understand and manage your DNS settings. For example, adding an A record involves entering the domain name and the corresponding IP address. Similarly, editing a record is as simple as selecting the record and making the necessary changes. Moreover, the tool provides real-time updates. These updates ensure that changes to your DNS settings take effect quickly. Therefore, using the Cloudways DNS management tool is a convenient and efficient way to control your website’s DNS. 

Additionally, the Cloudways DNS management tool provides a centralized location for all your DNS records. This centralized location simplifies management and reduces the risk of errors. Consequently, you can quickly view and modify your DNS settings without navigating to external DNS providers. In addition, this tool often includes features such as DNSSEC. DNSSEC adds an extra layer of security to your DNS records. Thus, using the Cloudways DNS management tool is a good choice for managing your website’s DNS. 

Using an External DNS Provider

Besides the Cloudways DNS management tool, you can use an external DNS provider. Popular external providers include Cloudflare, Amazon Route 53, and Google Cloud DNS. These providers offer advanced DNS features. These features are not always available within the Cloudways platform. To use an external provider, you need to change your domain’s nameservers. Nameservers tell the internet where to look for your DNS records. You update these nameservers at your domain registrar. 

Next, you create DNS records within your chosen external provider’s interface. These records should match the settings you want for your website. For instance, you would create an A record pointing your domain to your Cloudways server’s IP address. Likewise, you would set up other records as needed. Additionally, many external DNS providers offer features like advanced DNSSEC, traffic management, and DDoS protection. Therefore, using an external provider can enhance your website’s security and performance. 

Subsequently, you can gain more control over your DNS with an external provider. For example, some providers offer features like geo-DNS. Geo-DNS directs traffic to different servers based on the user’s location. This feature can improve website speed for users in different parts of the world. Also, some providers offer better uptime guarantees. This ensures your website stays online even if there are problems with Cloudways’ DNS servers. Thus, using an external DNS provider gives you more flexibility and control. 

Using a Combination of Cloudways and External DNS

Another option is to combine the Cloudways DNS management tool with an external DNS provider. This approach allows you to use the Cloudways tool for simple DNS management. At the same time, you can leverage the advanced features of an external provider. For example, you might use Cloudways for basic A records and MX records. Then, you could use Cloudflare for its CDN and security features. 

After that, you need to set up the appropriate DNS records in both locations. This setup ensures that both systems work together correctly. For instance, you could create A records in Cloudways pointing to your server’s IP. Then, you could set up CNAME records in Cloudflare that point to your Cloudways domain. Moreover, this combined approach can provide a good balance between simplicity and advanced functionality. 

Furthermore, this method lets you choose the best tools for different tasks. For example, Cloudways’ tool is easy for quick changes. On the other hand, Cloudflare offers powerful security features. Therefore, using both can give you the best of both worlds. Thus, combining Cloudways and external DNS offers flexibility and control. 

Cloning a Server with Existing DNS Settings

Cloudways allows you to clone servers. This process creates a copy of an existing server. This copy includes all its settings, including DNS records. If you have a server with correctly configured DNS settings, cloning it is a quick way to replicate those settings on a new server. This method is especially useful when setting up multiple websites with similar configurations. 

Then, after cloning the server, you may need to make minor adjustments to the DNS records. For example, you might need to update the domain names associated with the records. This ensures that the records point to the correct domain. Additionally, cloning a server saves time and reduces the chance of errors. This is because you don’t have to manually recreate all the DNS records. 

Finally, cloning is a very efficient way to manage DNS settings across multiple servers. For instance, if you are setting up several websites with similar configurations, cloning a server can save you a lot of time and effort. Thus, cloning servers simplifies DNS management for multiple websites.