Website FAQ: Common Questions About Domains and DNS
Domains and DNS generate more confusion than almost any other part of running a website, mostly because the terms sound alike and the consequences of a mistake can be dramatic. This domain and DNS FAQ collects the questions people ask most often and answers them in plain English, so you can make changes with confidence. Jump to whichever question matches your problem.
The basics
What is a domain name?
A domain name is the human-friendly address of your website, such as example.co.uk. It is easier to remember than the numeric IP address that computers use. You register it through a registrar, normally for a set period that you renew.
What is DNS?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. Think of it as the internet’s phone book. When someone types your address, DNS looks up where that name lives and tells the browser which server to contact.
What is the difference between a domain and hosting?
The domain is the address. Hosting is the place where your site’s files are stored. You need both, and they can come from different companies. Our UK beginner’s guide to web hosting explains the hosting side.
Who owns my domain?
The registrant, the person or organisation named in the registration, is the owner. Make sure your own details are on the record, especially if a designer or agency buys it for you.
Nameservers and records
What are nameservers?
Nameservers are the servers that hold the DNS records for your domain. The registrar tells the world which nameservers are responsible for you, and those servers answer the questions about where your website, email and other services live.
What is an A record?
An A record points a name to an IPv4 address. It is how “example.co.uk” gets tied to your web server. An AAAA record does the same for IPv6.
What is a CNAME record?
A CNAME is an alias that points one name to another name rather than to an IP address. It is often used for the “www” version of a site or for services that give you a hostname to point at.
What is an MX record?
MX records tell the internet which servers receive email for your domain. If they are wrong or missing, you may stop receiving mail. Always copy them before you change nameservers.
What is a TXT record used for?
TXT records hold text information. Common uses include proving you own the domain to a service and publishing email authentication policies such as SPF and DKIM, which help prevent your messages being treated as spam.
What is TTL?
Time to live is how long, in seconds, other systems may cache a DNS record before checking again. A lower TTL means changes spread sooner but creates a little more lookup traffic.
Making changes
How do I connect my domain to my website?
You either change the nameservers to those provided by your host, or edit the A record at your registrar so it points to your host’s IP. Our step-by-step guide to pointing a domain to hosting explains both methods.
How long does DNS propagation take?
Often minutes to a few hours, but allow up to a day or two for everything to settle, because different networks cache old information for different periods. During this time some visitors may see the old site and others the new.
Why can I see the new site but my friend cannot?
Your friend’s internet provider or device is probably still using a cached record. Waiting, or using another network, usually resolves it.
Can I change DNS without downtime?
Usually yes, if the new hosting is ready and tested before you switch, and if you lower the TTL ahead of time. Keep the old site running during the changeover.
Registration and renewal
How long can I register a domain for?
Registrars offer a range of terms, commonly from one year upwards, with a maximum that depends on the extension. Check the registrar’s options.
What happens if my domain expires?
Typically the site and email stop working. Many domains enter a grace or redemption period during which you can renew, sometimes at extra cost, before the name is released. Policies differ between registrars and extensions.
Should I turn on auto-renew?
Yes, for any domain you rely on, and keep the payment card and contact email current. Losing a domain by accident is a surprisingly common problem.
Are renewal emails always genuine?
No. Scammers send fake invoices and renewal notices designed to trick you into paying the wrong company or giving away login details. Log in to your registrar by typing the address yourself and check the status there.
How do I choose a good domain?
Choose something short, memorable and easy to spell, avoid trademarks, and consider the extension carefully. We cover the process in detail in our guide on how to choose and register a.co.uk domain name.
Transfers and ownership
What is a domain transfer?
Moving the registration from one registrar to another. You unlock the domain, get an authorisation code, and start the transfer with the new registrar. Your website does not move unless you also move the hosting.
Does transferring a domain change my website?
Not by itself. The DNS records usually stay as they were, though you should export a copy of them first as a precaution.
Email and troubleshooting
Why did my email stop after I changed nameservers?
The new nameservers did not have your MX records. Recreate them in the new DNS zone using the values you recorded before the change.
My site shows a hosting company’s default page. Why?
Your domain points to the right server, but the server does not yet know which site belongs to it. Add the domain in your hosting account.
How can I look up my DNS records?
Use an online DNS lookup tool, or the nslookup or dig commands, and compare the results with what your host told you to use.
How to Point a Domain to Your Web Host
Conclusion
Most DNS problems come down to four things: the wrong nameservers, a missing record, an expired registration, or caching delays. Record your settings before making changes, change one thing at a time, and be patient while updates spread. If something still looks wrong, your registrar or host support can check the records for you.